The following article about the Stanwood-Camano School Levy appeared in The Crab Cracker, issue 317, (Jan. 14-27, 2022):
The Stanwood-Camano School District is proposing a four-year replacement Capital Projects and Technology Levy on the February 8, 2022 ballot to replace an expiring levy. The proposed local school tax is expected to decrease from current levels. Levies require a simple majority for approval.
The Capital Projects and Technology (Cap/Tech) levy covers two areas: Facility improvements and updates that are beyond a general repair or regular maintenance but fall short of bond-level funding needs. Instructional technology and related staffing, professional development and technology infrastructure.
Approximately 50 percent of the funds is expected to be used for long-term facility needs, such as: New roof at Cedarhome Elementary; Replacement fire sprinkler lines at Utsalady and Elger Bay Elementary Schools; Portable maintenance at Port Susan, including new roofs, paint and siding repair; Upgraded public address systems at Stanwood Middle and Stanwood Elementary Schools; Various projects to improve student safety, such as fencing and sidewalks.
Approximately 50 percent of the funds is expected to upgrade technology used for student learning at all schools. Projects include: Replacing aging classroom computers, Chromebooks and software licenses; Maintaining infrastructure that supports technology for student learning, for example, servers, WiFi and network; Provide for staffing to maintain and operate district technology.
What has SCSD accomplished with local funds? Increased the number of computer labs, mobile labs and student-accessible technology at each school; Increased the curricular tools and online educational resources; Provided professional development and technical support to staff that impacts teaching and learning; Replaced fire alarm systems at Cedarhome, Twin City and Stanwood Elementary; Playground safety improvements at Cedarhome, Elger Bay and Utsalady Elementary; Renovation and roof replacement for the SHS Transition Program facility; Seismic upgrades for Stanwood Middle School.
Please remember to vote by February 8.
Snohomish and Island Counties conduct all elections through mail-in ballots. The ballots for the February 8, 2022 election must be postmarked (mailing is free) or placed in a ballot drop site by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, February 8, 2022. Ballot drop boxes are located near the Stanwood Library, 9701 271st St. NW and on Camano Island at 121 N. East Camano Drive.
