Time to vote no

It’s time to vote “NO” on the February 9 Spokane school district levy.

The district has been irresponsible in their spending and now they want us taxpayers to rescue them. Increasing taxes hurts families, including the kids. If the levy passes, the district will see that as approval for their irresponsible spending. If the levy fails this time, we will be sending a message that they need to be more responsible with our tax dollars. They can then put it on the ballot again this spring at a reduced rate.

The District and SEA were extremely irresponsible bargaining for a huge salary increase of 13.3% in 2018 when they knew that would cause financial problems. So while many got large increases, others unfortunately were laid off. Dr. Adam Swinyard, superintendent, speaking on KSPS, seemed to blame the legislature because the funding formula was changed. No, it was the district’s fault. Your budget should match your expected revenue even if you think the revenue is not enough. To compound the problem, the district agreed to additional salary increases totaling 4.8% by this fall.

In 2020 total property taxes paid in the city were $12.30 per $1,000 of assessed value. Of that $7.03 (57%) went to schools. That should be enough.

In 2020 my property taxes increased by 7.2%. Who knows what the increase in taxes will be for 2021. Hope you will vote “no” on the levy this time and give the district a chance to rethink their request.

Gretchen McDevitt

Spokane