I am pleased to share that last night, the Lynden School Board voted to place a Capital Projects Bond on the Feb. 13, 2024 ballot, alongside a renewal of our EP&O levy. These two funding measures will work together to ensure all students have access to programs and safe learning spaces that meet their learning needs. This decision was informed by the work of three citizen committees and a series of school board meetings which included public comment. I want to thank the members of this community who have invested their time, became informed, and were willing to engage productively in the process. There will continue to be opportunities and Lynden Schools is committed to providing information as part of an open and transparent process.
The two measures on the Feb. 13, 2024 ballot will include:
The estimated cost of the Capital Projects Bond is projected to be an increase to tax rates of $1.37 per $1,000 of assessed property value or approximately $57.25 per month for a property owner with $500,000 in assessed value. This would generate $157,500,000 in funding. Passage of the bond would also generate an additional $22 million in ‘matching’ construction funding from the state.
School districts in the state of Washington receive funding from local, state, and federal levels. However, the state does not fully fund education. That is why districts like ours rely on local property taxes to bridge the funding gap.
I fully recognize the significance of this ‘big ask’ and realize initial communications may surface more questions than provide answers. My commitment is to use the time between now and February to provide more detailed information and respond to the questions that will surely surface among our citizens. In the next couple of weeks and months, we will be meeting with community members to share information about the measures and how they support our students. By working in partnership, we can ensure our students and schools continue to have access to safe and updated learning spaces that meet their needs. In the meantime, please take a moment and learn more about the measures at our Bonds & Levies – Lynden School District (wednet.edu) website.
— David VanderYacht, Lynden Schools superintendent