Camas, Washougal school levies are passing

Local option levies are passing by large margins as of Feb. 16. According to the Clark County Elections Division, the Washougal School District's maintenance and operations levy is passing 62 to 38 percent, and its technology levy is passing 64 to 36 percent. The Camas School District's M & O levy is passing 68 to 32 percent, and the technology levy is passing 69 to 31 percent. "We are grateful for the continued support of our community in meeting the educational program needs of our students," said Mike Stromme, Washougal superintendent. "We are appreciative of the time and energy of many parents, staff and community members who advocated for student programs throughout the levy campaign." Jeff Snell, Camas superintendent, is grateful for the community's continued support. "It makes a difference for the opportunities that each of our students get to experience," he said. "Thank you Camas School District!" Washougal's three-year, $23.2 million replacement M & O levy and $2.4 million technology levy will replace those which expire Dec. 31. Both proposed levy rates will remain flat over three years, and are not new taxes. The M & O levy pays for services and operations not supported by the state or federal government, which include health and safety provisions, instructional materials, athletics and activities, student learning and staffing, and operations and maintenance. Technology levy dollars pay for the district's 1-to-1 tablet initiative, computers and devices, classroom instructional technology, professional development and coaching, technology infrastructure, curriculum and software. The Camas $67.4 million M & O levy and a $7.1 million technology levy include a slight increase in rates to cover rising costs. For the first three years of the upcoming four-year levy cycle, Camas residents will pay an additional 6 cents per $1,000 of their assessed property value, for a total of $6.31 per $1,000 of assessed value for all school taxes. The M & O levy helps fund smaller class sizes, special education programs, extracurricular activities, teacher training and student safety. Technology levy dollars pay for improved wireless networks, servers and devices. This information will be updated as ballots continue to be counted by the Clark County Elections Division. Results will be certified on Feb. 24.

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