Franklin Pierce board approves two replacement levies to appear on February ballot

The Franklin Pierce School District Board of Directors voted unanimously to place two replacement levies on the February ballot, measures the superintendent said are intended to maintain classroom staff and district operations and to fund safety, technology and capital projects.

Superintendent Dr. Goodpaster told the board that Resolution 25-R-10 (Proposition 1) would seek a four-year educational programs and operations levy with an estimated cap of $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed value. "The estimated, rate of $2.50 per 1,000... that amount, will be equivalent to that $2.50 is still a cap," the superintendent said, describing both the levy rate and the general categories of positions and operational costs the levy would support.

Resolution 25-R-11 (Proposition 2) would combine replacement technology funding with capital improvements and safety projects. The superintendent described an estimated rate of roughly $1 per $1,000 (up from the prior technology levy at about $0.40) and said the district selected a six-year horizon to time any future bond opportunities and to keep the rate near $1 as valuations grow.

Both resolutions were moved, seconded and approved by the board; because they are replacement levies with certain procedural requirements, each was followed by a roll-call vote and both passed unanimously. Board members directed Business Services to file materials with the county and OSPI before the stated filing deadline and to solicit the statutorily required "for" and "against" ballot statements.

Next steps: Business Services staff will prepare county/OSPI filings and ballot statements and the district plans community outreach ahead of the February election.