Blaine School District has two important local funding measures on the Special Election ballot this February 13, 2024.
- Replacement Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy, which supports funding for learning and educational programs, services, and staff that are underfunded by the state (formerly called M&O levy)
- Capital Bond to fund updates to school and school use facilities that would support all students and the greater community
Through careful planning and strategic timing, the bond and the levy combined are estimated to keep local tax rates the same as 2024 rates*, while making major updates across the district. That’s because the proposed bond, if passed, would replace an expiring capital levy and other existing bonds.
Blaine School District’s annual levy costs are well below the average levy cost in Whatcom County. In 2023, the average levy rate for Whatcom County was $1.58, and for Blaine it was $1.02.
Understanding School Funding
Blaine School District gets funding from three main sources: the state, the federal government, and local funding measures (in the form of bonds and levies). Blaine’s levy makes up 17% of its budget!
Levies are for learning and bonds are for building. Schools need both!
- Levies are short-term (1-6 years) and fund things that support learning: educational programs, student services, extracurricular activities, and staff above what the state funds.
- Bonds are long-term funding options, similar to a mortgage, that provide money for large capital projects like remodels or new buildings.
The bottom line? The state of Washington does not fully fund all the costs associated with operating a school district. Schools rely on local community funding measures to fill funding gaps.
The February 2024 Replacement Levy and Bond Proposal:
| Proposed to be Funded by the Levy | Proposed to be Funded by the Bond |
|---|---|
| The Replacement EP&O Levy funds things important to Blaine students, staff, and the community, including: Student Transportation Food Service Extracurricular Activities such as athletics, band, choir, and drama Staff - both certificated and classified Staff costs such as compensation and benefits (beyond what the state provides funding for) Substitute teachers Expanded Curriculum supplies and subscriptions Utilities like water and electricity Updates to software State-required programs and services that are underfunded by the state | The Pipeline Fields updates: creating easier-to-maintain facilities.
Turf, batting cages, concessions, and restrooms which can be used by the entire community Point Roberts improvements: playground expansion and the addition of lighting for safety and security. Replace aging and outdated middle school instructional spaces and update the Performing Arts Center (PAC). Development of preliminary designs for Birch Bay School Updates to aging electrical and mechanical systems across the district |
How much will this cost?
Estimated Proposed EP&O Levy Rates
For the EP&O Levy, estimated rates* per $1,000 of assessed property value for the levy are expected to be similar to 2023’s rate of $1.02.
Proposed Bond: $70 Million paid off over 25 years
Bond Rates are projected to stay flat at around $0.76 per $1,000 of assessed property value through 2046. That means tax rates are expected to remain at 2024 levels*, which include both the expiring capital levy and other existing bonds.
- The new bonds would raise $70,000,000. The total debt service, with principal and interest over 25 years, is projected to be $130,395,000.
- A home valued at $500K in 2025 could expect to pay $6,618 spread over the 25-year life of the bonds to 2046, assuming 2% annual valuation growth in the district.
- The actual debt service amount will depend upon actual interest rates, terms, issue dates, and Assessor valuations.
A Deeper Look at Proposed Bond Projects
The School District’s Facilities Advisory Committee made up of community members, parents, and staff, has been meeting monthly from February to July 2023 to evaluate the greatest areas of facilities needs within the district. Their months-long analysis led to the recommendation of this bond plan to the school board.
- The Pipeline Fields updates: creating easier-to-maintain facilities
- Addition of turf, batting cages, concessions, and restrooms
- This facility can be used by the entire community
- Point Roberts improvements: playground expansion and the addition of lighting for safety, security, and supervision.
- The playground and lighting improvements are based on needs shared in community feedback.
- Replace aging and outdated middle school instructional spaces (1956 construction) and update the Performing Arts Center (PAC) - no updates in 20 years
- The PAC is a school resource used district and community-wide.
- With all students attending the middle school at some point, it is one of the spaces in the school district that has the most student activity.
- Development of preliminary designs for Birch Bay School: As part of the proposed bond project, surveyors and architects will be engaged to develop preliminary designs for a new elementary school in Birch Bay. After pausing during the pandemic, the district is still currently evaluating property for feasibility of development and is committed to delivering on its promise to secure land to house a new elementary school and this bond will bring us one step closer to the new school becoming a reality.
- Updates to aging electrical and mechanical systems across the district: replacement of electrical and mechanical systems in buildings across campus.
Please remember to vote on February 13!
Questions?
Contact Dr. Christopher Granger
Superintendent, Blaine School District
cgranger@blainesd.org
NOTE: Tax exemptions may be available for senior citizens, people with disabilities, and those living with a fixed income. Contact the Whatcom County Assessor’s Office for more information.
*Tax rate projection calculations based on 2024 property valuation inflated annually by 2%.
