EV asks voters to OK maintenance and operations levy

East Valley School District officials are asking voters for a $12.4 million levy, representing roughly one quarter of its annual budget, in February’s special election.

“What we are asking voters to do is simply to replace the expiring levy,” said district Superintendent Kelly Shea. “(Voters) shouldn’t see a big change in their school taxes. We’re intentionally trying to keep things consistent.”

The cost to taxpayers is estimated to be $4.40 per $1,000 of assessed property value, a 4-cent decrease from the expiring 2012 levy.

“East Valley people have supported our levy for years,” Shea said. “I’m confident that folks will continue to support … their school district. We just need to make sure that people are aware that there is a special election.”

Levy money offsets employment, transportation, food service and special education costs as well as all extracurricular activities.

Levy money has been a major part of the district’s budget for decades, Shea said. Although the district has struggled passing construction bonds, voters have never rejected a levy.

“We’re hopefully optimistic. It’s never for sure,” said board Chairperson Mike Novakovich. “My big thing is we’re not asking for an increase.”

Ballots for the Feb. 9 election will be mailed on Thursday. There are more than 4,200 students in the East Valley School District.