Election Day is Feb. 10, and voters within the Othello School District and neighboring districts have a school levy renewal on their ballots. Many ballots have not yet been returned. Columbia Basin News encourages a yes vote.
This levy supports programs and services the state does not fully fund. Athletics, for example, are almost entirely supported locally. Music and arts, transportation, food services, special education, technology, career and technical education, and staff professional development also rely on these dollars.
Voters should note: the district is not asking for a tax increase. The request simply continues the existing rate of $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed value — the same rate taxpayers have paid for years. For a home valued at $350,000, that equals about $43.75 per month. This is not new; it is a renewal.
We understand property assessments in Adams County have risen sharply. Our editor’s assessment increased another 16 percent this year, following similar jumps in recent years. While rising values do mean schools receive somewhat more revenue, the district has kept its rate steady rather than seeking the $2.50 per $1,000 allowed by law — an acknowledgment of the burden on taxpayers.
Washington’s constitution calls education the “paramount responsibility” of the state. The 2017 McCleary decision aimed to correct funding shortfalls, but gaps remain. Rural districts still depend more heavily on local levies than property-rich districts such as Bellevue, Seattle, and Spokane to offer comparable opportunities.
Because of this funding gap, the state provides Local Effort Assistance — also called levy equalization — to districts like Othello. These funds are only available if local voters approve a levy. If the renewal fails, the district would lose millions of dollars in additional state support.
The simple fact is that Washington State fails to live up to its obligation to fully fund education. In fact, adjusting for inflation factors, the state is providing the equivalent of more than $1,000 per year per student than they did in 2018.
Local levies also give communities a direct voice in shaping their schools.
Strong schools help build strong communities and future leaders. This renewal maintains essential programs, preserves local control, and keeps funding stable. Columbia Basin News encourages voters to return their ballots and vote yes.
Visit the Othello School District website for more information.
*Columbia Basin News is not affiliated with Othello School District. This content is the opinion of our editorial board, publisher, and owners. We have not received any compensation in any form for this opinion.
