Richland School Board approves two levy resolutions for ballot after clarifying language on special education and technology

The Richland School Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve two levy measures that will appear on the upcoming ballot, advancing Resolution 994 (an expiring education programs and operations levy) and Resolution 995 (a replacement instructional technology improvements levy).

At the Sept. meeting, board members discussed edits to the voter explanatory statement for Resolution 994 so it explicitly lists special education among the programs funded by the levy. "We didn't say a portion," a board member noted while reviewing the explanatory statement, and the board asked district attorneys to confirm allowable language; the board agreed to add special education to the explanatory statement (administrative clarification, not part of the resolution itself).

Board members also clarified the public-facing title for Resolution 995. While the legal authority for the levy may use RCW wording that refers to capital projects, the board asked staff to ensure the ballot language reads "instructional technology improvements levy" so voters see the intended purpose. "For what goes out to the voters though, it should say that instructional technology improvement levy," a board member said.

Both measures were moved, seconded and approved on roll-call votes. The board recorded affirmative votes for each motion and approved the resolutions to proceed to the ballot with the requested editorial clarifications and attorney review of legal citations.

Next steps: district staff will update the explanatory statement for Resolution 994 to include special education, confirm RCW citations with the district attorney, and ensure the ballot label for Resolution 995 lists "instructional technology improvements levy."