Colton School sees EP&O levy on ballot

COLTON — Colton School District #306 Board of Directors adopted Resolution No. 2311-51 on this year’s special election ballot for 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 two-year levy to collect excess taxes at an estimated levy amount of $389,947, resulting from a tax on property at a rate of $2.22/$1,000 assessed value for the 2025 year.

Colton Superintendent Kevin Graffis said the current yearly levy prioritizes programs, including Career and Technical Education, AP college courses, work-based learning opportunities and athletics.

Graffis said the levy funds also go towards food, maintenance, and support services such as nurses, paraeducators, and counselors.

“I think one of the strongest programs it supports is our vocational with FFA and Ag Science,” Graffis said.

Graffis said that approximately 10% of the budget comes from local funding, and the rest comes from state and federal funding.

Graffis said that being the superintendent in an interim position, he is a part of the Colton community, which has highly supported the schools.

“We’ve created a legacy for younger generations to follow, and many students have benefited from community support,” Graffis said.