Oak Harbor superintendent outlines levy request; community group seeks council endorsement

Oak Harbor Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Castibula told the City Council on Jan. 7 that the district is asking voters to replace an expiring local levy at the same rate previously approved: $2.288 per $1,000 of assessed value.

The levy, Castibula said, covers about 12% of the district's operating budget and funds items state allocations do not fully cover, including nurses in every building, deans of students used to support classroom instruction and special-education services that the district provides at a higher rate than the state average. “This levy is not a new levy,” Michelle Castibula, superintendent of Oak Harbor Public Schools, said. “Our current levy expires. ... Local priorities based on our strategic plan allow us to do the work that we do for kids of Oak Harbor Public Schools.”

Why it matters: Castibula told council that state funding makes up roughly 76% of the district budget, federal funds about 11% and the local levy about 12%, and she emphasized that local revenue supports services the state does not itemize—such as school resource officers and building-level nurses. She noted Oak Harbor’s district number (District 201) and said the district’s share of students with individualized education programs is about 23% versus a state funding assumption of 16%, increasing local service needs.

Details and context: Castibula described how levy funds underwrite full-time art teachers, certificated librarians, nurses and deans of students, and pay for digital devices and related technology. She explained levy mechanics to council members, using a numeric example to show that once voters approve a set levy amount the district cannot collect more than that approved amount even if property values rise. The superintendent said the district previously asked for $2.288 per $1,000 and is asking for the same rate in the upcoming election.

Public comment: Jack Schwab, campaign manager for Citizens For Better Schools, spoke during the public comment period to urge council support and community votes. “Without these local levy funds, our local schools would be significantly diminished,” Jack Schwab said, identifying his group as an independent local organization. He asked the council to consider an endorsement and offered campaign materials.

Council response and outcome: Council members discussed expressing support. Some council members said individual statements of support were appropriate; others cautioned about the city formally endorsing ballot measures. No formal motion or official council endorsement was taken at the Jan. 7 meeting.

Next steps: The levy election was referenced as Feb. 11 in public comment. The superintendent and campaign representative encouraged residents to review levy materials and vote. No council action was required or taken on the levy at this meeting.