CKSD board approves one levy, kills other

The Central Kitsap School District Board of Directors voted unanimously Wednesday night to place a school support levy on a ballot to be voted upon February 2010, but the board voted 3-2 to stop a capital projects levy from being placed on that same ballot.

The support levy, which would replace an existing, expiring levy and would bring in money to support educational programs, student services and operations was approved by the board unanimously. The capital projects levy, however, was an issue for members Christy Cathcart, Chris Stokke and Eric Greene.

Cathcart read a one-and-a-half page statement she prepared to highlight the reasons she was opposed to a capital projects levy to the superintendent and the other board members.

Cathcart said there was no “systematic approach to the $100 million in needs.” She also said she was concerned the cost to voters might cause the support levy to be overlooked in favor of the less expensive capital projects levy.

“...what you focus on is $1.44 or $2.53,” Cathcart said. “Which causes less pain to your wallet?”

Stokke agreed with Cathcart in that he too felt the focus of voters might be to approve one or the other.

“I am concerned with having both levies on the ballot,” he said.

He suggested separating the levies and placing the capital projects levy on another, later ballot. He also agreed a sufficient plan had not been presented to the board.

Greene said the district needs a capital projects levy, but the school support levy is more important. He also said he would need more information to proceed.

“I’m not sure we’ve been given what we need,” he said.

Superintendent Greg Lynch took responsibility for the board’s lack of information and vowed to go back and address the issues of each board member.

“I’m going to redouble my efforts,” he said.

Contact Central Kitsap Reporter Staff writer Steven DeDual at sdedual@centralkitsapreporter.com or (360) 308-9161.

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