Ballots for School Levies due Tuesday, Feb. 13

DAYTON–Ballots are out and due to be delivered, postmarked or turned in to the Columbia County Auditor's Office by 8 p.m. Tuesday, February 13 for the Dayton School District's two levy propositions that, if approved by Columbia County and Dayton voters, will fund ongoing programs, maintenance, projects and other financial needs for the next four years.

There are two separate measures on the ballot: a four-year Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) levy for $4.9 million and a four-year Capital Levy for $5.1 million. Both levies replace and/or enhance existing tax levies that are expiring in 2024.

Levy funds are required by law to be used for specific purposes and that is why two distinct levies are being put before voters.

The EP&O Levy provides funding for programs offered at Dayton Schools that will go toward maintain current educational programs which are not fully funded by the State of Washington's Basic Education funding formulas.

The funds are used for Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Vocational Programs, athletics, extra-curricular activities such as field trips and to help defray the cost of popular school-oriented organizations such as FFA, Trap Club and the Robotics program. Other expenses from food services, transportation, maintenance and operations are paid for by EP&O levy dollars.

The EP&O levy would collect $1.17 million in 2025, $1.21 million in 2026, $1.26 million in 2027 and $1.3 million in 2028.

The replacement Enhances Capital Levy is the second measure being put before voters.

One of the major renovations or improvements that has been implemented around the campus has been enhanced security measures. These technological additions around the Dayton Schools campus has included security measures which could greatly enhance safety of students and staff in the event of a violent incident.

Entrances now have secure badge or doorbell entry systems which restrict entry until staff activates electric door locks to allow entry, after proper identification.

Other technological improvements have been Smart Boards, large touch-screen video boards which enhance display of information by teaching staff or from on-line sources, or both simultaneously.

Ongoing maintenance, repair and upgrade programs will benefit, if the Capital Levy is approved.

Elementary: New carpeting, library remodel and furniture, new security gate and lift update.

Middle/High School: Air filtration for the science room, Family Consumer Science Classroom remodel, Auditorium update, Exterior refresh, Gym roof, Vo-Ag doors.

District-Wide: Improvements to asphalt areas, concrete areas, fencing, door hardware, technology infrastructure and equipment, and underground sprinklers.

Capital levy funds approved by voters four years ago were used to provide technological and renovation upgrades. Now, every student has a computer. The antiquated telephone system was replaced. Speakers were installed which allows all-district messaging to be heard in every building and classroom and outside.

The Capital Levy is seeking $1.24 million in 2025; $1.26 million in 2026; $1.29 million in 2027; and $1.31 million in 2028.

The levy rate for the Capital Levy was increased to $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. When combined with the EP&O rates for the years 2025-2028, the combined rate would be $2.91 in 2025 increasing to $2.98 in 2028.

The combined levy rates for the Dayton School District remain among the lowest tax rates among other school districts around the region.