Board approves two levy propositions

At its Monday, Nov. 23, meeting, the board approved resolutions to put an Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy and a School Facility Improvements and Technology Upgrades Levy on the Feb. 9 special election ballot.

Resolution No. 1858 authorizes the district to place Proposition 1 for an Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy on the Feb. 9 ballot. This four-year levy would replace a levy that is expiring in December 2010, and provides more than 22 percent of the general fund budget. The levy would:

• maintain educational programs and small classes
• fund day-to-day operations, including teachers, instructional aides, librarians and nurses
• fund technology support, athletics and arts, music and safety programs
• provide for textbooks and classroom materials
• maintain playgrounds/playfields
• support other educational and operational programs

Resolution No. 1859 authorizes the district to put a $140,400,000 School Facility Improvements and Technology Upgrades Levy on the Feb. 9 ballot. This six-year levy would:

• modernize Washington Elementary School, the district’s oldest school, while recognizing the school’s place on the National Historic Register and maintaining its historical appearance. The district plans to address such issues as health and safety, seismic upgrades and ADA accessibility. This project would resemble the award-winning modernizations accomplished at Stadium High School and Jason Lee Middle School.
• modernize or replace Baker and Hunt middle schools

Other actions
The board also approved:

•  the hiring of Dan Voelpel as the director of Public Information
• the agreement between the Tacoma School District and Safe Streets Campaign

Next meeting
The next regular board meeting will be held on Thursday, Dec. 10, at 6 p.m. in the fourth-floor auditorium, Central Administration Building, 601 S. 8^th St., Tacoma.