Camas and Washougal have varying New Year’s Eve fireworks ordinances that the public needs to know about, says Camas Washougal Fire Marshall, Ron Schumacher.
“This year like in the last three years, the city limits of Washougal doesn’t allow mortars that explode in the air,” said Schumacher. “Washougal only allows the ‘safe and sane’ fireworks that travel vertically nor more than a foot, and horizontally no more than 6 feet.”
Camas, however, does allow the mortar fireworks.
You can purchase these products at any fireworks stand, which will be on sale December 29-31 in Camas and Washougal. You can only use them on December 31 — in both cities until 1 am, says Schumacher.
In Washougal, you can be fined $250 on the first offense, which is a civil fine. Camas will not fine residents for using mortars.
“Safe and sane” fireworks are those that are neither projectile nor explosive—basically anything that doesn’t leave the ground.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/23182534/3676393F-9BE7-406E-BDC8-303AB6CF7C38.jpeg6021200Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-12-23 19:30:442020-12-23 19:30:52Camas, Washougal Have Varying New Year’s Eve Fireworks Ordinances
Camas, WA — The new Camas Info App, which is currently in beta testing, was built to help connect Camas businesses, residents, and visitors. Designed as a local business directory and news aggregator, it offers perks for users and benefits for local businesses.
“The Camas App is a simple business directory that provides users with useful information about local businesses and makes it easy to discover new ones they may not be aware of,” said Joseph Graves, Owner of Workshed.
Workshed and Lacamas Magazine shared several clients and were discussing ways to help more businesses when the idea for a Camas App came up in conversation.
“I had an idea about a cool local business directory app, and Joe said he was already working on it,” said Ernie Geigenmiller, Editor & Publisher of Lacamas Magazine. “So, we’ve been working like crazy to get it built.”
“It’s a great way to leverage the power of the Lacamas Magazine audience to further strengthen our local economy” said Graves. “We’re working hard to make the app super easy to use and give local businesses a powerful way to connect with new customers for their products or services.”
At launch, Camas businesses will have several in app marketing opportunities including standard listings, premium listings, and Daily Deals, with more planned for the future. A portion of the revenue will be shared with local nonprofits — Community Chest, Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce, and the Downtown Camas Association.
“Users will be able to see what’s happening with their favorite stores and businesses in one place,” said Geigenmiller. “It’s a win-win for residents, visitors, and businesses. Companies are signing up very quickly, and the waiting list is growing.”
To register for early access to the app, visit www.camas.info.
Invitations will go out when it’s ready for general use, and Lacamas Magazine will provide regular updates.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/17203037/38F1CF28-D165-4D66-8A6B-6E29EFEB1B3B.jpeg7152528Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-12-17 20:44:282020-12-17 20:45:19Tech Scene: Easy-to-Use New Camas Info App Goes Into Beta Testing
Camas, WA — Late Wednesday night, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office confirmed they found the body of Tyler Schmidt, 15, a Camas resident who has been missing since Monday.
Deputies on the scene said they went searching for Schmidt in the woods near Discovery High School, and about 200 yards from the road — Nan Hendricksen Way— is where they discovered his body. The deputies said it appears to be a suicide, and don’t suspect foul play.
Schmidt went missing Monday at 11 am after leaving his home in the Winchester Hills neighborhood in Camas. The report said he threw his cell phone in a moment of anger, and left the residence.
This story will be updated.
Tyler Schmidt flyer.
Clark County Sheriff’s Deputies near the site where Schmidt’s body was found.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/17002417/70BBD49A-05F5-4A87-ABF8-41BD26B15E92-scaled.jpeg19202560Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-12-17 00:41:102020-12-17 00:43:23Clark County Sheriff’s Deputies Find Body of Missing Camas Teen
Camas, WA — Parents and students in the Camas School District are holding their second rally along with a ZOOM classroom blackout December 17 to once again ask the district to open Camas Schools to wider in-class instruction.
Andrea Seeley, one of the event’s organizers, said “the group is gathering in a safe, socially distanced manner aimed at sending a message to the Camas School District that we want our students to have the choice to be back in school, in person. We are marching in solidarity with other Clark County school districts (Hockinson, Ridgefield, Evergreen and Vancouver) on the same day to their respective district offices.”
Seeley added: “We believe our teachers and our schools are essential and that kids need and deserve the option to return to in-person learning. On this day, December 17, our students will not be engaging in any classwork, attending any ZOOM classes or doing homework.”
Heather Deringer, who is also helping with the rally, said parents and students of all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend, wearing masks and with their own homemade signs.
The group has partnered with several local businesses to set up stations to sign petitions for a return to a broader in-person learning option. Currently, Camas School District has about 600 students in the classroom. Petitions will be set up at Hidden River Roasters (536 NE 5th Ave), A Beer at a Time (216 NE 3rd Ave), Camas Barber Shop (214 NE 4th Ave), Squeeze and Grind (537 Cedar St) and Salud (224 NE 3rd Ave).
“We encourage the community to sign the petition and order takeout at these businesses at the same time, supporting our local community during the recent extension of the shutdown in Washington State,” said Seeley.
The Open Camas Schools group cites a growing body of evidence at the national and state levels, including the Director of the CDC, UNICEF and Dr. Anthony Fauci, who have all stated that schools are the safest place for kids to be.
“Washington State School Superintendent, Chris Reykdal, recently acknowledged the failure of distance learning to appropriately engage students,” said Seely. “Numerous research studies around the world have documented the alarming rise of depression, anxiety, suicide, alcohol and substance abuse, domestic violence and child abuse as a strong driving factor that support the return of children to in-person learning. The skyrocketing number of failing kids is a trend that needs to be addressed differently and immediately. Other Washington state school districts and private schools within the state where COVID case numbers are similar are open to in-person learning and are providing good models for moving ahead safely and effectively.”
Today, Governor Inslee encouraged school districts statewide to start re-opening.
“Now that we have a better understanding of how the disease spreads and have developed health and safety protocols specific to schools, we are in a better position, we have more confidence when it comes to phased-in, in-person learning,” he said.
Inslee said that while he does have the ability to close schools for emergencies, he does “not have the statutory authority to make them reopen.”
He is, however, hoping that these new recommendations will give school districts the confidence to begin in-class instruction.
Open Camas Schools rally on Everett several weeks ago.
Inslee’s new reopening guidelines include the following:
Districts where COVID cases are less than 50 residents per 100,000 people: In-person learning should be made available to all students.
Districts where COVID cases are between 50 and 350 residents per 100,000 people: Districts are encouraged to phase in in-person learning, starting with elementary and middle school students.
Districts where COVID cases are greater than 350 per 100,000 people: Districts are encouraged to bring elementary students “and those with the highest needs” back into classrooms in small groups of 15 or fewer.
Clark County has 450 cases per 100,000.
The Washington Education Association (WEA) issued a statement following Inslee’s announcement that said:
“The trust and confidence that we can safely return to school is something that must be earned. It would have been easier to build that trust with educators with more communications in advance from the Governor about these pending changes.
“We agree with the Governor that the spotlight should be on L&I safety requirements, which are key for building trust with educators, students and families. Districts must meet those requirements on day one. We need to know that there is adequate PPE, distancing, ventilation, an active and trained safety committee in each building, effective plans for contact tracing, testing and clear communications regarding protocols for what happens when a case is detected in school.
“Implementing these guidelines in areas where school is still remotely operating will take time. We are concerned that the way these changes were rolled out implies that school can resume before there is time to put these safety measures in place.
WEA’s focus will be to advocate that these requirements are fully in place before any expansion of in-person teaching and learning.”
The Open Camas Schools group feels they represent many students.
“Students are not being heard,” said Seeley. “Their pleas to return to school and resume extracurricular activities fall on deaf ears as administrators from school districts to teacher’s unions to health districts all seem to want to point fingers in other directions without taking responsibility. Nobody is asking students what they need or listening to their voices. Open Camas Schools believes that the district needs to put the students first. We are hopeful that Dr. Snell will renew his focus on the Camas School District and its students, teachers and staff. Our hope with the event is to keep the focus on putting ALL kids first.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/17200328/AECEC0D2-0C1A-44EB-836B-49CDA0A64174.jpeg6581280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-12-16 19:44:352020-12-16 19:53:27Open Camas Schools Group to Hold 2nd Rally, ZOOM Blackout Thursday
Camas, WA — Natalia’s Cafe is hosting a fundraiser and silent auction this week for Camas resident Mariah Corbin and her family. Mariah was diagnosed with Stage 3 anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (an extremely rare brain tumor) in September and is undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments following two brain surgeries.
The purpose of the fundraiser, said Wendy DelBosque, is to help the Corbin family through the financial burdens associated with Mariah’s treatment, including medical and travel expenses, as well as employment income loss. Mariah’s mother, Michal, is a yoga instructor and owner of Camas Yoga & Co. While Michal fights for her daughter’s life, she is also trying to keep her business afloat during the pandemic.
“We are coming together as a community to try to raise money that will allow Michal to focus on her daughter, her treatments, and God willing, her recovery instead of worrying about her business and the overhead she continues to have while she is shut down due to the pandemic,” said Samantha Horner-Boucher, who is organizing the silent auction. “Your generous gift will make this happen.”
The silent auction begins this Thursday, December 17 at 10 am and runs through Sunday, December 20 at 8 pm.
Camas, WA — The Camas City Council has approved the acquisition of 115 acres of land on the west side of Green Mountain adjacent to Ingle Road in Camas with the intent of preserving it as open space.
The acquisition includes 60 acres of donated land and 55 acres for purchase, including the top of Green Mountain itself and the area north of the former Green Mountain Golf Course. The land is currently zoned for residential development and includes 159 preliminarily approved property lots near Ingle Road. Construction of the lots had not yet begun and, as a result of the acquisition, will not move forward.
The city plans to engage the community and explore possibilities for the land’s use that are consistent with the city’s Comprehensive Plan and its Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan.
The city will acquire the land, which has been valued at $20.1 million, for $3.8 million. The purchase price of the 55-acre parcel will be paid in October 2021 to allow leaders the option of securing grant funding.
“The advantages of acquiring this Green Mountain land are tremendous,” said Mayor Barry McDonnell. “By securing this property, the City of Camas will preserve more forested areas, ensure public access to green spaces, and provide connections to recreational amenities in the region for the foreseeable future.”
The acquired land has been part of the community vision for over 20 years due to its importance in linking existing and proposed public trails, viewpoints and recreational opportunities around Green Mountain, Lacamas Lake and Camp Bonneville. The existing Lacamas Lake recreation and conservation corridor includes nearly 1,000 acres on the south, east and west sides of the 320-acre Lacamas Lake.
The acquired land also preserves significant open space in Camas, as requested by the Camas community. It is positioned in an area where considerable open-space acreage is owned by other public agencies, including Clark County, Camas School District and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
The current owners of the property, who applied and received approval from the City for the Green Mountain Planned Residential Development, recently approached the city with this opportunity. The appraised value of the 60 acres of donated land is $15.5 million and the appraised value of the additional 55 acres has been estimated at $4.6 million. The timing of the acquisition is connected to year-end charitable gifting rules, as represented by the developer.
The vision for the city’s open spaces has been developed over several years with substantial input from citizens, stakeholders, city staff and key conservation partners. It reflects a variety of city, county and regional plans, including the Clark County Conservation Areas Acquisition Plan; the City of Camas Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan; the Lacamas Corridor Master Plan and the City of Camas Strategic Plan. The council considered the details and impacts of the acquisition at the Dec. 7 workshop and regular meeting before formally approving the acquisition.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/07073830/916C6F57-4941-4CC7-BB2B-E6464E74EED9.jpeg393878Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-12-14 17:30:412020-12-14 17:30:48Camas City Council Approves 115 Acres of Land to Preserve as Open Space
Camas, WA — About 50 members of a local group called Open Camas Schools rallied for several hours today at the Camas School District (CSD) administration building and alongside Everett Street.
Their intention is to encourage CSD to start opening up more classes to in-person learning. Camas schools have been mostly closed to in-person learning since March, with the exception of special education and a handful of other students totaling about 600 district wide.
Open Camas Schools is a grassroots group of parents and some teachers who are greatly concerned about students falling behind academically, as well as the mental and emotional challenges emerging from continued isolation from peers, academics, and sports.
”I’m here to support Camas schools,” said Mike Hubbell, a concerned parent who helped organize today’s rally. “I want to see our kids back in school. I believe there’s a better method than how we’re currently teaching our kids — to sit and just watch a screen.”
Is the timing right now challenging given the lockdown?
“I think there’s always going to be challenging times,” he said. “When you look at the opportunity we are missing with our kids there’s nothing more important than our kids being educated. The biggest challenge is seeing my kids in sports, and how that’s affecting their ability to play sports, their ability to practice sports, and the whole camaraderie that people see when they play sports. Kids love to play with other kids. They’re missing out on those opportunities right now, and that’s a big part of what our lives are about. The hard work, the dedication that comes with that. Parents don’t get together anymore.”
He also said the schools are the hubs of community.
“The moment you destroy schools, you destroy sense of community.”
Mike Hubbell, Open Camas Schools
He’s also very concerned about the mental well being of students.
“Too much screen time is dangerous,” Hubble said. “What kind of message are we sending to our kids?”
Heather Wynn was also in attendance.
“We’re here as parents asking the district to hear us,” said Wynn. “Online learning is not working for many, many students for many reasons, not just academically. It’s harming them mentally and socially. So, we are here to say it can be done safely. Once the lockdown is over let’s get on this. Let’s get them back in school happy and healthy.
“We know this lockdown has put a damper on things, we’re not tone deaf, but we did plan this weeks ago. We’ve done car rallies, and we’re just getting nowhere with them (CSD Administration). They’re not listening to us. They are using one metric, and this metric is not meeting the needs of the children.”
What’s the metric?
”Case numbers per 100,000,” she said. “It has to be 75 or under and it’s the only metric they are using. They’re not paying attention to other statistics from other school districts that have been open. So, we believe all those things have to be put on the table. We are here to ask them to look at other schools who are doing it safely, even here in our local area. And, then make the decision based on that. Look at what the children are asking for. How many are failing? I personally know of two children — not in this area — who have committed suicide.”
Wynn wants CSD to open up schools once this current lockdown is over. She’s not asking all families or teachers to come back to school.
“I don’t want them to go against what they believe,” she said. “You can see people are saying we need these in-person options for our kids. We want our children to be better served. It can be done safely. They have the space in the buildings. Follow all the protocols. Do a hybrid model. To teachers we say we need you in the classroom.”
The Open Camas Schools Facebook page has 922 members as of this writing.
CSD Statement
Dr. Jeff Snell, Superintendent of Camas Schools, issued this statement today:
“We recognize that this is a challenging time for everyone and appreciate that the pandemic has affected all of our families uniquely. We understand the value of in-person learning experiences and have been incrementally increasing the number of students served that way within the recommendations from the Washington State Department of Health. We also value input from our community – students, staff, and families. Last night, we held another town hall to engage the community in a conversation about remote learning, increasing in-person learning opportunities, and the current transmission rates in our community. My hope is that we can rally together in our community and every other community on behalf of our students, drive down transmission rates and get all of our kids back in school.”
The Town Hall was virtually attended by about 200 people. Here are some resources CSD posted today from the event.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/17200339/4F40AA3E-9137-47F8-811C-9CD4BF118336.jpeg7151280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-11-17 20:46:202020-11-17 21:15:55Open Camas Schools Group Rallies Outside District Administration Building
Camas, WA — Given the dynamic situation that COVID-19 presents to school districts, Lacamas Magazine asked Dr. Jeff Snell, Camas School District Superintendent, several questions about how the district is managing operations.
Question #1: Local teacher’s unions recently wrote a letter stating they refuse to go into the classroom until Clark County gets into moderate range for COVID-19. What have you heard from CEA? What is your position as the administration?
Snell: We meet weekly with our teacher association to discuss remote learning challenges and opportunities and increasing in-person learning experiences. Our staff has been amazing at continuing to evolve our remote learning instruction, identifying students who need a little more support, and then coming up with ways to provide that support. Their creativity and problem solving is a tremendous asset for our district and community. They recognize how important it is to provide every service possible for students and families.
Question #2: When will first and second grade start going into the classroom?
Snell: We have been methodically increasing the number of students served in person through small groups. In-person services, in small groups, align with the WA Department of Health recommendations during high COVID-19 activity levels. We will monitor how well kindergarten goes and work with Clark County Public Health before consideration of adding any additional grade levels. Obviously case rates have been increasing in our region so we want to be thoughtful about next steps.
Question #3: How many students in CSD have been permanently pulled from being in public school?
Snell: We track enrollment, a measurement of new students, and students leaving the district. This fall, our enrollment has been down by about 5%.
Editor’s Note: With enrollment at about 7,000, approximately 350 students have been pulled.
Question #4: What is the financial, per-student impact when a Camas student is pulled?
Snell: Each student generates about $11,500 in state funding.
Question #5: Is Camas School District doing anything to help students who are having major mental/emotional problems?
Snell: This year in particular we are focusing much of our work on supporting systemic social emotional learning. Teachers, counselors and other district staff are providing intentional opportunities for students to grow their emotional capacity. We do this by highlighting topics such as self-awareness, stress management, and social awareness. In addition, our staff is focused on creating safety and belonging along with positive teacher student connections. When needed, our staff will connect students and families with community resources to assist students that are struggling emotionally.
In addition to the direct support to students, we also take a whole system view on wellness. We have a Parent Wellness program that offers parents a variety of opportunities to learn and connect with others in our community. This year we started a Parent Podcast and continue to provide workshops and book studies on a variety of topics. We are about to host two virtual books studies that are free and open to everyone, “Grown and Flown” and “The Financial Aid Handbook”. In addition, we have an upcoming Parent Wellness virtual workshop, “Brain Based Sensory Supports for Remote Learners”. Whenever possible, we record our workshops and archive them on our All-Student Wellness page on the district website. This site has a host of information, articles, community resources and archived workshop videos.
Question #6: Many parents are asking why is CSD so focused on equity and diversity education right now? They say shouldn’t general education be the focus given how many students are falling behind? And, wouldn’t it make more sense to focus on equity and diversity once the kids are back in school?
Snell: Our focus over the past five years has been on seeing and serving EACH student. Creating a community where every student feels like they belong is critical for any learning to happen. This is the goal of our equity work.
It continues to be the responsibility of public schools to serve each and every student who enters our doors. To serve students requires that we create conditions of safety and belonging for all students, with heightened attention to students from marginalized or underserved groups. Our ultimate goal of instilling in each student a love of learning and achievement that opens doors to their futures cannot happen until a student feels seen, safe, and cared for as they are. The pandemic presents many challenges, one of which is widening already existing disparities. Our continued learning about and attention to equity and social emotional learning will ensure that we don’t lose sight of creating more equitable outcomes. This is at the heart of our focus to see and serve each student.
Question #7: Public records state that half of Union High School students are failing right now. What percentage of students are failing in Camas High School right now? I personally know about 20 of them.
Snell: At the progress report time, about 500 students had a failing grade or near failing grade. Last year at this time, there were about 300 students. This is a significant change. Our staff is working to support students across our system who are struggling. Sometimes that means finding ways to connect with these students in ways beyond remote learning.
Camas, WA — Several local businesses attended the annual Downtown Camas Association (DCA) awards event Monday night at the Liberty Theatre. Under the theme “mask-querade” event attendees enjoyed popcorn and drinks while DCA leaders Caroline Mercury, Carrie Schulstad and Shannon Van Horn addressed the experiences of 2020 through a video slideshow, commentary, and awards presentations.
Given the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, some of the award designations were altered for 2020, such as “Help Your Neighbor” and “Phenomenal Pivot.”
The annual events ceremony is an opportunity for local merchants and community supporters to review the successes and challenges of the year, and 2020 was filled with unique hurdles. Businesses endured state mandates that closed some of their operations altogether, altered how they serve customers, and required new rules such as physical distancing and face masks.
”It really does make a difference when we’re all together,” said Schulstad, DCA Executive Director. “Tonight is about you. Yes, we will cover the things the DCA has been doing this year, but the main focus will be celebrating the resiliency and the innovation that our small businesses have shown time and time again in downtown. This has been a very hard year. Having to change a lot and having to change often, having to feel the sting of laying off employees. Having to change the entire way you operate. Trying new things without knowing they will work. Not knowing when all this will end. These are monumental times. Yet somehow our downtown businesses have found the fortitude and the strength to rise up, and find a way.”
Mercury emphasized that Juxtaposition, a high end furniture and home decor store, opened on the eve of state mandated coronavirus business closures.
“Suzanne and her team have been so tenacious and so gracious in continuing to do what needs to be done to operate a business effectively under any circumstances, and who could have imagined these circumstances.”
Mercury mentioned the opening of the Clara Flats apartments on 6th Avenue, and that The Wild Hair, a destination salon, celebrates 30 years in business.
Award Winners
Juxtaposition: Best Downtown Space Improvement
Lara Blair: Something New in Camas Award.
Papermaker Pride: Help Your Neighbor Award
Camas Library: Phenomenal Pivot Award
Ann Matthews: Downtown Spirit Award
Gary Carter: Volunteer Award
Salud Wine Bar: Great Growth Award
Liberty Theatre: Incredible Innovation Award
Camas Antiques: Creative Marketing Award
The Caffe Piccolo team was recognized for their spirit and support of all downtown Camas events.
The Camas School District provided an update regarding their plans to transition to in-person learning, which is being hampered by increasing COVID-19 cases in Clark County. In addition, the administration provided an update on the upcoming February replacement levy. Here’s the direct statement from CSD:
Transition to Increased, In-Person Learning Experiences
Unfortunately, our community COVID-19 Activity Level rates continue to trend in the wrong direction. This is our sixth consecutive week in the high activity level, which continues to delay our transition to a full hybrid model. Current guidance from the Washington State Department of Health in the high activity level is to deliver learning services remotely and identify small groups or cohorts of students for in-person learning services based on those students with the highest need, such as students with disabilities, students living homeless, those farthest from educational justice, and younger learners. Since August, we have increased the number of small groups for in-person learning services throughout the district. Building on that success, we announced this week our next targeted group will be our kindergarten students in groups of 10 or less beginning November 9.
Why Kindergarten? Kindergarten is the foundation and start of the K-12 experience. It is such an important year for our youngest learners, and developmentally there are opportunities we just can’t replicate in a remote environment.
“Bringing small groups of kindergarten students into classrooms for in-person education is a cautious and incremental approach that fits within state health department guidance,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County Public Health director and county health officer in a press release on October 25. “With small group sizes and continued preventive measures, such as mask-wearing and physical distancing, we believe in-person education is safe for both students and staff because children this young are less likely to transmit the virus to others.”
The CDC indicates that in order for schools to achieve the lowest possible risk of transmission, we must implement five mitigation strategies to the extent possible, practical, and feasible, as outlined below:
Consistent and correct use of masks
Social distancing to the largest extent possible
Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette
Cleaning and disinfection
Contact tracing in collaboration with the local health department
Replacement Levies in February
Local levies are an essential revenue stream for our district and are approved by voters for a set number of years. In 2017, our community approved two levies, a programs & operations levy and a capital technology levy, which will expire at the end of 2021. Our School Board continued their discussion about replacing these expiring levies in the upcoming February election. Our school district has long benefited from strong community support. That support enabled us to build the district we have today. In addition to local levies, voters have also approved local bonds that have built the amazing schools and facilities we have in our district. Because of the way we’ve scheduled our bonds, taxpayers will see a reduction in their tax rate even with the approval of replacement levies in February. Our Board has explored two options for the replacement levies and plans to finalize their decision at the November 9 board meeting.
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