CASTLE ROCK, WA (12/01/2021) - At their board meeting on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, Castle Rock School District Board of Directors approved a replacement levy resolution for the upcoming February 8, 2022, special election ballot. Voters will be asked to vote on a three-year replacement Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) levy, which is the continuation of an existing funding measure and will not increase local tax rates. If approved, the EP&O levy would fund programs and services that are unfunded or underfunded by the state of Washington. The levy would pay for things like athletic activities and equipment, performing arts such as band and choir, counselors, a social worker and social-emotional learning supports, additional school nurses above the limited number funded by the state, special education staffing, and additional teaching staff to maintain small class sizes.
“After a few very challenging years of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, students have relied on the many supports and extracurricular activities provided by schools,” said Board Chair, Vilas Sundberg. “In some cases, our activities, funded by the levy, are the things that are keeping students engaged in learning. Castle Rock School District will continue to be excellent stewards of community resources and ensure local levy dollars are spent on programs and supports that have a direct impact on students.”
Castle Rock’s replacement levy rate will continue to be among the lowest in the area.
Castle Rock’s rate of $1.98 per $1,000 of assessed property value is one of two nearby district levy rates that remain under $2.00 per $1,000 of assessed value.
More information on the EP&O levy can be found on the Castle Rock School District website crschools.org, and in an informational mailer to be sent to all property owners in late January.
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