by Richard Uhlhorn
Tabitha Mires, Manson Schools superintendent, visited the Manson Community Council on Tuesday evening, January 21, to inform them of the upcoming February 11 Replacement Levies.
The district will have two propositions on the ballot.
- Proposition 1 is for the replacement of Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O). This levy supports the school’s Art and Music programs, Athletics, Counseling and Individual Student support, Early Learning, Extracurriculars, Food Services, Library Programs, Small Class Sizes, and Student Transportation.
- Proposition 2 is a Replacement Capital Levy to improve school safety, security, technology, and facilities. This levy includes Building and Classroom Repairs, HVAC Systems, Plumbing and Electrical Systems, Outdoor Facility Repairs and Upgrades, Technology Infrastructure and Systems, and Student and Staff Instructional Equipment.
“Rates are difficult to project,” said Mires. “They should be less because of an increase in (real estate) valuations.”
“These levies are to fund programs underfunded by the State… not to add programs, but to continue them.” Mires stated that the district’s buildings are well maintained but aging and in need of repairs and technology upgrades.
She told the council and meeting attendees that Manson was one of the first to get kids back into the classroom after COVID. She also added that six year levies can be a challenge which is why the district decided on a three year duration which will allow the district to come back to the community. “Manson has been supportive of schools and the students are performing exceptionally well,” Mires said.
“There are a lot of great things happening at the school.” The district currently has 647 students with classroom sizes as small as 12 students. However, the district has lost students because of the ongoing affordable housing crisis. She mentioned that many families moved to Entiat where that district saw an increase in its population.
She also mentioned that in increased valuations come from second home owners who do not vote in the district but help with the rates being asked on the propositions.
Estimated levy rates:
Maximum EP&O rate Maximum Capital
2026 $1.14 – $2.2 million $0.55 – $1.03 million
2027 $1.13 – $225 million $0.55 – $1.03 million
2028 $1.12 – $2.3 million $0.55 – $1.03 million
Currently the Manson School District is collecting a total of $1.20 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
Learn more at www.manson.org/levies
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