Group Forms To Oppose $50 Million Peninsula School District Levy In November

A group is formally opposing the Peninsula School District's proposed four-year, $50 million capital projects levy that voters will decide in November.

The goal of the committee, according to Chairman Ken Manning, "is to inform the public of the impacts of this levy plus options and alternatives that should be explored before asking the taxpayers for an increase of over 50% in their property taxes they pay to schools."

If passed, the four-year measure would pay for a new elementary school in Gig Harbor North and replacing Artondale Elementary.

Other improvements include upgrading the district's technological infrastructure, school safety and possibly replacing turf fields at Peninsula and Gig Harbor Highs, as well as Harbor Ridge Middle School.

The levy would generate $12.5 million a year over four years, and it would add about $1.40 per $1,000 assessed value to the tax rate.

Here is the opposition group's letter to Patch:

At a Special Meeting held by the Peninsula School District (PSD) Board of Directors on Wednesday, July 31, 2013, at 7:00 a.m., the Board passed Resolution 13-03 to approve and place on the November 2013 ballot a 4-year Capital Projects Levy for $50 million.

Soon after that meeting a committee was formed and filed with the Pierce County Auditor to oppose the levy. An "against" and rebuttal to the "for" statement was submitted and accepted by the Auditor in time to appear in the voters pamphlet.

The goal of the committee is to inform the public of the impacts of this levy plus options and alternatives that should be explored before asking the taxpayers for an increase of over 50% in their property taxes they pay to schools.Representatives of the committee are available for public comment and are starting to schedule for local forums and interviews from community organizations.

If you would like more information or to schedule an interview please contact Mr. Manning at 253-307-4405 or Jerry Gibbs 253-241-6978 or the committee's E-mail nayonprop1@yahoo.com