Wilson Creek school levy goes to voters

A two-year replacement educational programs and operation (EP&O) levy proposed by the Wilson Creek School District could bring in a little more than $527,000 total in 2023 and 2024 combined, if passed Tuesday, to replace the existing levy, which is set to expire at the end of 2022.

The new levy would authorize the collection of taxes to provide up to $263,500 in both 2023 and 2024 for the Wilson Creek School District. The tax levy rate requested is $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. This means a $300,000 home could be asked to pay $750 a year in taxes toward the levy.

The Grant County Official Local Voters’ Pamphlet states the taxes collected by this levy will be used to pay expenses of educational programs and operations not fully funded by the state of Washington. Some of those programs and operations include teachers, nurses, special education, athletics, advanced courses and building maintenance.

Wilson Creek School District Superintendent Laura Christian said the district offers a preschool program for children who are 3 and 4 years old, which is not funded by the state and is free to the families.

The levy also covers extra-curricular activities and transportation for the district. She mentioned the district has staff who are not covered by basic education funding, which enables the district to offer small group instruction and targeted interventions for students who are struggling.

“The amount of our levy request has not increased in the six years I have been with the district. We are very careful to appropriately use the funds that our generous community has always provided. We are very grateful for the support of our families,” Christian said.