Olympia set to vote on new school tax

The Olympia City Council is encouraging citizens to participate -- and vote yes -- in the upcoming levy raising funds for the local schools.

In their meeting yesterday Tues., Olympia city officials passed a resolution supporting the upcoming special elections on February 8, deciding on a 90 to 98 cent per thousand dollars of property valuation levy for Olympia School District No. 111, projected to raise a total of $52,427,000 from 2023 to 2026.

Replacing the current tax, the levy will continue the school district’s technology program for its students.

If passed, the levy will allow the schools to “modernize District facilities by acquiring, developing, installing, and implementing computer technology systems, and projects for operations and instruction, and other capital project expenditures to improve safety and energy sustainability,” according to the resolution.

A local parent in attendance at the meeting called for increased access to adaptive technology for students, especially those with special needs.

The resolution also pointed out that the proposed tax is less than the current rate started in 2018 and will end this year.