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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

M&O levy

About The Measure

Four-year M&O levy amount: $45,922,176

Cost per $1,000 assessed value now: $3.69

Estimated new rate: $4.44

Complete Coverage

Bus crash raises policy questions

When 11-year-old Mavrick Benoscek came home after school complaining of a headache in September, he told his mother he probably got it from the bus crash. That was news to Stacy Benoscek: No one from the East Valley School District or Trent Elementary School had notified her about any accident involving her son’s school bus. Because Mavrick is developmentally delayed, Benoscek started making calls to check his story and ensure he wasn’t being “dramatic.”

Schools asking voters to replace state funds

Spokane Public Schools’ board agreed Wednesday to ask voters in February to consider paying more taxes in a levy to compensate for potential state cuts to K-12 education. The region’s largest district is not alone.

Home away from homelessness

Britain Webb has been homeless twice while attending University High School. Domestic violence forced the 17-year-old’s mother and siblings out of their Spokane Valley apartment the first time, Webb said. The second time, their house burned down. Through all his turmoil, school has been a constant. “Going to school is a very big part of life in general,” Webb said. “That’s how you get through it. … Being at school was pretty much the highlight of my day.”

EV student, 14, arrested for gun at school

A 14-year-old East Valley student has been arrested on a series of charges after he allegedly took a .40-caliber handgun to school last week.

East Valley district to close middle school, elementary

The East Valley School Board has decided to close Mountain View Middle School and Skyview Elementary and lay off 25 teachers as part of budget cuts totaling more than $1 million. The board Friday declared a fiscal emergency due to state funding cuts. In a statement, Superintendent John Glenewinkel said the district is expecting cuts of almost $1.05 million and could see another $1.76 million in cuts that are still being considered by the state.

East Valley to close middle school, lay off teachers

The East Valley School Board has decided to close Mountain View Middle School and lay off 25 teachers as part of budget cuts totaling more than $1 million.

Bus driver accused of slapping boy, 4

An East Valley School District bus driver is accused of slapping one of his 4-year-old passengers. The bus driver, who was not identified, was placed on paid administrative leave Thursday while the incident is investigated, said Ray Stookey, the district’s human resource director.

Bus driver accused of slapping 4-year-old

An East Valley School District bus driver is accused of slapping one of his 4-year-old passengers. The bus driver, who was not identified, was placed on paid administrative leave Thursday while the incident is investigated, said Ray Stookey, the district’s human resource director.

East Valley bond failing

As of the latest count Wednesday, the East Valley School District construction bond was failing, with 60.71 percent of voters rejecting it. The $33.75 million bond would have renovated Trentwood, East Farms, Otis Orchards, Skyview and Trent elementary schools and would have built 40 new classrooms and four new gyms. The district offices and the maintenance department would move to East Valley Middle School. That middle school building would also house a middle-level enrichment center and all buildings would receive a technology upgrade.

East Valley bond failing

As of the latest count Wednesday, the East Valley School District construction bond was failing, with 60.71 percent of voters rejecting it.

East Valley School District bond failing

Early ballot counts for an East Valley School District bond showed 61 percent of voters coming out against the bond as of this evening.

Efforts bring higher graduation rates at area high schools

Fewer students in Spokane are dropping out of school. Spokane Public Schools improved its on-time graduation rate by 8 percentage points in 2010, state data showed Thursday, and officials credit efforts to update how students are tracked and dropout intervention programs.