Colfax School District levy on ballot

COLFAX — On this year’s special election ballot, Colfax School District No. 300 Board of Directors adopted Resolution No. 525 concerning a proposition to finance educational programs and operation expenses.

The proposition authorizes the school district to meet the educational needs of students by replacing an expiring levy to collect an assessed value of $2.14/$1000 at a levy amount of $1,090,000 in 2025 and a levy amount of $1,140,000 in 2026, at an assessed value of $2.17/$1000.

The school district will use the excess taxes collected during these years for essential educational programs not funded by the State of Washington.

Colfax School District Superintendent Jerry Pugh said the levy helps the school’s enrichment programs, such as the fall drama production and student field trips. “Any kind of co-curricular, extracurricular athletics, clubs, art within the school, and the school counselor,” Pugh said, noting anything enriching.

Other programs that the levy will continue to fund that are not fully funded by the state include teachers, support staff, nurses, nutrition, maintenance and operations, transportation, and special education.

“We appreciate the support the community has always had for the Colfax School District,” Pugh said, noting that they try hard to go for the minimal amount to fund the programs.

The school district pursues grants and solutions to control costs and reduce spending.

According to the argument in this year’s local voters’ pamphlet, Colfax School District is working with local farmers to implement a farm-to-table for school lunches, improving the nutritional content of the food children receive at school. As a result of initiatives like this, the proposed levies are lower than the $2.50/$1,000 assessed value as allowed by the state.

“We look forward to serving our community through the schools,” Pugh said.