LaCrosse School sees EP&O levy on 2024 ballot

LACROSSE — On this year’s special election ballot, the LaCrosse School District Board of Directors adopted Resolution No. 23-24-01 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 excess taxes during the years of 2025 through 2028, at a levy amount of $400,000, with assessed values at $1.52 in 2025, $1.47 in 2026, $1.43 in 2027, and $1.39 in 2028.

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

LaCrosse Superintendent Doug Curtis said the four-year levy will fund extracurricular activities that the state and federal money doesn’t cover, including athletics, FFA, robotics, rocketry and music outside the school day. “It also funds the Missoula Children’s Theatre, some technology needs, preschool and our school lunch program,” Curtis said, noting that it also helps provide staff support that the state doesn’t cover.

Levy partially funds teachers, paraeducators, bus drivers, and office staff. “The state gives you a certain amount of money, but it never covers all the staff expenses,” Curtis said.

Curtis said that LaCrosse has traditionally been known to have had the county’s lowest school levy tax rate.

“We just appreciate being in a community that values education,” Curtis said, noting that the community has been highly supportive since he’s been there. “We appreciate a community that highly values education,” he said.