Pasco School Board approves four-year replacement levy at $2.08; appointments set for voters pamphlet

The Pasco School Board voted to run a four-year replacement educational programs and operations (EP&O) levy at an estimated rate of $2.08 per $1,000 of assessed value on the April 28, 2026 ballot.

The board approved Resolution 10-64 after a staff presentation and extensive public testimony. Dr. Joey Castilleja, the district’s financial presenter, told the board the current levy expires on Dec. 31, 2026, and staff prepared four scenarios: $2.08 and $1.99 each for two- and four-year terms. Castilleja said the district’s final assessed value increased from preliminary projections, which reduced the earlier estimated rate from $2.17 to $2.08 and allowed a neutral funding scenario at $2.08.

The decision followed hours of public comment in which parents, staff and student board representatives urged the board to protect programs funded by levy dollars. ‘‘Choosing a lower levy amount means accepting cuts that directly impact students and daily learning conditions,’’ said Amber Haynes, a classroom teacher who urged the board to run the levy at $2.08. Student board representatives described athletics, music and extracurriculars as essential to student engagement and leadership development.

Supporters pressed the board to place the measure on the April ballot so the district can meet a May 15 staffing-notice timeline that Dr. Castilleja said is tied to bargaining and hiring decisions. Castilleja warned that a $1.99 levy would create a projected funding gap of roughly $1.5–$1.9 million per year (about $6.7 million over four years) and equate roughly to the loss of 21 full-time positions in levy-funded programs.

Opponents and speakers skeptical of the district’s spending raised questions about long-term fiscal stewardship and staff growth outside the classroom; some asked the board to pursue deeper belt-tightening or to provide clearer, itemized plans showing which positions and services would be cut under the lower-rate scenario.

After discussion, Director (speaker 9) moved to approve Resolution 10-64 to run the levy as presented (option A: four years at an estimated $2.08). Director (speaker 10) seconded the motion. A roll call vote followed and the motion carried. Miss Richardson called the roll and the board directed staff to prepare the ballot language and run the replacement levy in April.

The board also appointed citizens to write voters-pamphlet statements under RCW 29A.32.280. Using a randomized selection process, the board submitted three pro-statement authors (Michelle Martinez, Mike Miller and Mallory Kahl) and three con-statement authors (Nicholas Cooper, Bear Turner and Mark McKay) to Franklin County for printing in the local voters pamphlet.

The board emphasized outreach and clearer communication after noting low turnout and a narrow margin on the prior February levy vote. Superintendent Whitney and several directors urged organized voter contact and clearer messaging about what levy funds pay for, including counselors, nurses, school resource officers, extracurriculars, and transportation.

The meeting concluded with routine agenda items and a preview of future reports including student board representative updates and the world language adoption process.