The Thurston County Chamber board voted unanimously to support all February 9, 2016 special election ballot measures put forth by the North Thurston School District, Yelm Community Schools, the Tumwater School District and the Olympia School District.
Voters in each district will consider a four-year maintenance and operations replacement levy. The levy would replace those approved by voters in 2012 to help pay for day-to-day learning needs such as teaching, school supplies, athletics and activities and transportation.
In addition to the replacement levy, Yelm Community Schools is asking voters to approve a $59.5 million bond measure that would replace, remodel or construct facilities that meet the qualifications for state assistance. Once this measure is approved the district would qualify for $41 million in state assistance to help fulfill the obligations of the bond.
The Olympia School Board is placing a school bond on the February ballot to address continued enrollment growth districtwide and smaller class size at the elementary level. The proposed bond also calls for updating school security, renovating aging school buildings and some athletic fields, building a larger performance theater at Capital High School, and making other facility improvements.
“Thurston County is known nationally for our incredible pool of teachers, administrators and schools. Their success is due, in part, to our continued investment in technology and infrastructure. In addition, this is an investment in the local economy, for job growth today, and for an educated youth who will give back tomorrow,” said David Schaffert, Thurston County Chamber President/CEO.
