Superintendent outlines proposed school levy and impact of rising assessed values

Pete Peterson, superintendent of the Kiona‑Benton City School District, presented updated levy projections to Benton City council on Oct. 21 ahead of a Nov. 4 ballot measure.

Peterson said DA Davidson’s preliminary analysis projects an 11.8% increase in assessed value for the district, driven in part by approximately $58,000,000 in new construction. He told council that the district’s local levy collection rate places it in the lower 25% of Washington districts and that levy equalization now brings about $500,000 in state support. Peterson said if the proposed levy passes, a second‑year change to the state formula could add roughly $310,000 in levy‑equalization funds.

Peterson described capital and facilities context: the district finished a 10‑year facilities plan and currently has some empty classrooms but aging HVAC and other infrastructure issues. He said the district is applying for grants intended to upgrade elementary HVAC systems and estimated the district could handle about 1,500 students in current facilities; new nearby housing (209 homes cited near the high school) could add about 150 students across K‑12 and trigger additional capacity needs.

Council members and residents asked whether the district planned new construction and where funds would be used. Peterson said a capital bond would be necessary for a new school and that, at present, focus is on targeted infrastructure upgrades and grant applications. He closed by answering questions about projected revenues and the state levy equalization program.