Students and community speakers urge passage of Pasco school levy ahead of April election
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Summary
Several parents, teachers and students urged the Pasco School Board to support an upcoming levy renewal, describing potential program cuts and warning that a levy failure could cost the district tens of millions when matching funds are considered.
Several students, parents and district staff told the Pasco School Board on March 24 that an upcoming levy renewal is essential to sustaining extracurricular programs, staffing and student services.
Mallory Call, a Pasco resident and member of the Levy Pro Committee, told the board the district is working to provide accurate information about the ballot and said a levy failure would be "catastrophic," warning of a potential loss of $50,000,000 when matching funds are considered. "We need to renew the levy to help fund the operation of our schools," she said.
Maria Lee, representing the Pasco Association of Educators, said the levy is a renewal that does not increase taxes and asked the community to remember that levies fund activities and services that keep schools functioning. "I'd like to remind everyone of all the different activities and extracurricular activities that our levy provides and to encourage everyone to vote," she said.
Several students described how district programs shaped their development and urged voters to preserve them. "Football and extracurricular activities are some of the most important things our school district offers," said Jordan Sears, a Chiawana High School student. Roy Al Hill Gonzalez, Chiawana's ASB president, said the levy funds "the little clubs and activities and sports" and that he will vote yes.
Ryan Avastias, a Chiawana senior who cited orchestra, speech and debate and track as formative experiences, said many programs are at risk without levy funding and urged passage so future students will continue to have the same opportunities.
Tiffany Awana, a New Horizons teacher and Pasco resident, emphasized that the levy is a renewal, not a new tax, and said ballots will be mailed soon; she advised voters to return mail ballots by the date she gave (April 20). "This levy helps sustain core supports that students rely on each day, including staffing, student services, and programs like athletics, music, and the arts," she said.
Board members thanked the speakers and highlighted upcoming levy information events. Superintendent Whitney noted informational sessions around the district and encouraged voters to look for ballots in early April.
