Two public forum events are planned to present information about two school levy resolutions on the ballot for a Feb. 14 special election.
The Sequim School District is requesting a four-year renewal of the Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy. The current EP&O Levy was last approved by voters in 2013 and will expire at the end of December. EP&O dollars provide for expansion of programs not available otherwise, as well as certificated staff, educational support staff, district support staff, extra-curricular programs, technology, curriculum and transportation expenses that are not state funded.
The district also has a three-year Capital Projects Levy resolution before voters to fund demolition of the unused portion of the Sequim Community School, built in 1949 and closed in 2012 due to unsafe conditions. Removing this portion of the building allows the district to qualify for $4.3 million in state matching funds for new school construction once a construction bond is approved.
The Capital Projects Levy also would help the district upgrade the central kitchen facility by modernizing HVAC, electrical and fire protection systems, installing a double door and increasing freezer space.
The central kitchen facility currently has outdated appliances and the freezer holds enough space for about two days’ worth of food for the district’s 2,700-plus students.
The first forum will be from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, in the Sequim High School Library, 601 N. Sequim Ave.
The second forum, co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Clallam County, will be from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, at the Sequim Transit Center, 190 W. Cedar St. Nancy Esteb from the League of Women Voters will serve as moderator.
At each public forum, time is set aside for questions following a short presentation by Superintendent Gary Neal.
For more information, contact the District Office at 582-3260.
