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Olympia City Council backs replacement levy for Olympia School District
Summary
The Olympia City Council on Jan. 27 voted to adopt a resolution expressing support for Olympia School District No. 111’s Proposition 1, a four-year replacement levy the district says will raise about $72.9 million to maintain technology, safety and facility improvements.
The Olympia City Council voted on Jan. 27 to adopt a resolution expressing support for Olympia School District No. 111’s Proposition 1, a four-year replacement levy the district has placed on the Feb. 10 special election ballot.
Assistant City Manager Debbie Sullivan told the council that state law requires a public hearing before a local government formally expresses support or opposition to a ballot proposition. Sullivan said the levy is a replacement (not a new tax) and is estimated to raise $72,900,000 over four years to fund technology upgrades, classroom audio systems, Chromebook carts, safety sensors in secondary schools, Ingersoll Stadium HVAC and security-door improvements, and replacement IPVS cameras.
Superintendent Patrick Mursby thanked the city for its partnership and described the levy as largely maintenance of existing technology and infrastructure that the district said helped during the pandemic and will continue to prepare students for future opportunities.
At the public hearing, community members offered mixed remarks. Terry Ballard cited a series of historical debt figures for the district and said the Thurston County Treasurer lists outstanding district debt; Erica Lehi, who said she serves on the board of OSD For All, said she planned to vote for the levy but criticized some district spending choices; and Ryan Betts, chair of Olympia Citizens for Schools, urged council endorsement and described the levy as essential to keep schools safe and healthy.
Council member Green spoke in support of the resolution, noting the measure maintains current levels of support rather than introducing a new tax and saying the community at large benefits from well-funded local schools. The council closed the public hearing, moved to adopt the resolution and passed the motion by voice vote.
Next steps: Proposition 1 will appear on the Feb. 10 special election ballot; council action on Jan. 27 was an expression of support rather than a city-imposed levy. The public record and any formal ballot materials will include the measure summary and fiscal estimates required by state law.
