Remember to Vote February 14

Dear Orting School District Community,

In order to continue to support student achievement and provide a quality education for Orting students, the District is placing a Maintenance and Operation Levy on the February 14th election ballot. A school levy is a local property tax collected to help finance the education programs and operations of public.

It is important to note that this levy is a replacement Maintenance and Operation Levy which pays for items necessary for the day-to-day operation of schools. It includes items not funded, or not fully funded, by the State and provides about 20% of the District's financial support. This is not a new tax; it replaces a two-year levy that was approved by voters in 2010.

The current levy rate is $3.93 per thousand. The estimated tax rate for our proposed educational replacement levy is estimated at $3.99 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation. These dollars are used to hire additional classroom teachers and Para educators. It also provides support for Instructional Supplies and Materials (including textbooks, paper, computers and other technology), Special Education, Transportation, Facility Maintenance, and all Athletic and Extra-curricular programs. It is not used for major construction projects. All of these items funded by the levy are critical to Orting School District and its students.

Orting voters should be aware that the February 14 election will be an all "mail-in" election. You can expect to receive your ballot from the Pierce County Auditor's Office starting Jan. 27 and it must be postmarked no later than Feb. 14.

The Replacement Education Maintenance and Operation Levy allows Orting School District to keep our focus where it belongs – on providing the best possible education for our students. On February 14, the district will be asking you to approve this levy to help us continue to provide the same high level of achievement this community expects.

Community members are encouraged to visit our website to learn more information about this important tax measure. You can find information at www.orting.wednet.edu, scrolling over the District column on the left, selecting Board of Directors, and clicking on M & O Levy Information.