Voters have two measures proposed by the Bremerton School District to consider heading into the Feb. 13 special election.
Its school board voted in November to approve an election on both a $150 million, 25-year capital bond to replace outdated facilities and schools, along with a two-year, $30.2 million Replacement Educational Programs and Operations levy to renew its current one through 2026.
“School districts rely on local, voter-approved funding to fill the gap between state funding and what it actually costs to educate students, BSD says on its Funding Measure Facts page.
The levy makes up 15% of the annual operating budget, providing majority financial support for a number of employees and programs. The district says these include 100% of extracurricular activities (athletics, music, theater), 89% of safety and security officers, 83% of technology staff, 82% of maintenance & custodial staff, 73% of classroom support staff, 32% of health services and counselors, 22% of special education supports and 21% of classroom teachers.
The estimated levy rate is $1.89 per $1,000 of assessed valuation going up to $1.91 in 2025.
Arguments against the levy focus on lacking academic success and unnecessary hiring and raises. The committee against the measure, headed by John Johanson, claims the district can function with the level of state funding it receives.
“More money doesn’t fix academic success. No methodologies for improving our students’ education or proficiency levels are addressed,” the statement reads. “The district has not shown a pathway to success for our students, but they want more tax money for pay and staff.”
Meanwhile, the capital bond is targeted toward the betterment of district buildings in five high-priority projects. These include replacement of three schools, replacement of consolidated facilities, and a districtwide upgrade to heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
The oldest school on the list for replacement is View Ridge Elementary. Built in 1952, the district states it has reached the limit on its useful lifespan despite updates in 1993. Armin Jahr Elementary was built in 1969, but costs to renovate it would exceed the facility’s value. Both projects, the district adds, could be eligible for around $22 million in state funding if the resolution passes.
Renaissance High School presents a different challenge in what the district is calling both a remodel and relocation. The project consists of an increasing trend in districts across the country to eliminate the use of portable classrooms.
“The school is made up of ten portable classrooms and is unable to support all classes required for graduation,” BSD said. The facilities advisory committee recommended Renaissance “be moved to a permanent building in a more centralized location.”
Also slated for replacement is the Consolidate Facilities complex. Built in 1945, it is a building the district says should have been replaced decades ago.
Those with words of opposition, again provided by Johanson and the committee against, say the district’s promise of a lower tax rate is both unclear and incorrect. Additionally, they allege the district’s vague directions as to how much money will go to each project is reason for concern.
“The Bremerton School District refused to provide us with detailed cost estimates and dates for accomplishing these improvements,” the statement reads. “The bond resolution wording allows the school board to reallocate bond funds for purposes that we may not want or have voted for.”
