Board supports Simple Majority issue (EHJR 4204)

October 2, 2007
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Board supports Simple Majority issue

School board members passed Resolution #14-2007, EHJR, Simple Majority Tuesday night to officially go on the record in support of the November 6 ballot issue.

"BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the Walla Walla School District No. 140 strongly supports EHJR 4204 to allow citizens throughout the state to support student learning and success through simple majority approval of school levies," the resolution states. (see entire resolution below)

EHJR 4204 Facts

How does Washingtons current school levy system work? Currently, local school levies must receive both a 60% supermajority approval and meet the 40% validation requirement to pass.

What would EHJR 4204 do? EHJR 4204 would amend the Washington State Constitution and would provide that a simple majority of voters (50% + 1) could authorize local school district levies.

The amendment also removes the 40% election validation requirement for levy elections. It does NOT apply to school bond elections. EHJR 4204 will be on the November 6 ballot.

What do school levies pay for? Local levies support school needs. Our levy pays for approximately 14 percent of the Districts operating budget.

What happens if school levies dont pass? Some school levies have failed because they do not meet the supermajority requirement. Levy failures can result in budget cuts, which require program cuts, staff and/or teacher layoffs, and other disruptions.

RESOLUTION #14-2007 -- Support of EHJR 4204, Simple Majority

WHEREAS, the Washington State Constitution says, It is the paramount duty of the state to provide for the education of all children residing within its borders...; and

WHEREAS, the fundamental mission of Washingtons public schools is to ensure that all students possess the knowledge and skills to be responsible citizens and enjoy productive and satisfying lives;

and WHEREAS, adequate, stable funding is critical to the fulfillment of this mission;

and WHEREAS, resources provided through voter-approved school levies are essential to local school districts ability to provide a well-rounded, quality education to each student;

and WHEREAS, local levy dollars account for a significant portion of school district operating budgets in Washington;

and WHEREAS, despite their overarching mission, school districts are subject to obsolete laws that require a higher supermajority threshold for voter approval of school levies;

and WHEREAS, school levies are routinely supported by a majority of voters only to fail because of this unfair and antiquated threshold;

and WHEREAS, the supermajority requirement allows a minority of voters to obstruct resources for student learning when those resources are clearly supported by the majority;

and WHEREAS, EHJR 4204 would restore fairness and equity by allowing school levies to be approved by a majority of those voting;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the Walla Walla School District No. 140 strongly supports EHJR 4204 to allow citizens throughout the state to support student learning and success through simple majority approval of school levies.

WALLA WALLA SCHOOL DISTRICT Walla Walla, Washington BOARD OF EDUCATION (approved 10/2/07)