Local residents have received special February election ballots for two levies as the current Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) levy and the Technology capital levy will both expire in 2021. CSD is asking voters to consider approval of two replacement levies (an EP&O and Technology, Health, and Safety capital levy) that will allow CSD to continue the same level of service students, teachers and families have enjoyed for decades.
Local residents have received special February election ballots for two levies as the current Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) levy and the Technology capital levy will both expire in 2021. CSD is asking voters to consider approval of two replacement levies (an EP&O and Technology, Health, and Safety capital levy) that will allow CSD to continue the same level of service students, teachers and families have enjoyed for decades.
Local levy dollars provide a tremendous return on investment when one considers how important strong schools are to the short and long-term health of any community.
The two levies on the February 9th ballot are not new taxes. They replace, or continue, two levies expiring at the end of 2021, one for operations, one for capital/technology.
Over the years, whenever we’ve tried to capture the right words for describing just what Camas Schools mean to our community, it’s YOU, the community, who say it best. Would you be willing to submit a letter to local media? (It will appear here, too) Please contact our team at VoteYesCamas@gmail.com.
Till then, please see what others have had to say about our phenomenal students, schools, and staff!
Growing up in the Camas School District has shown me the meaning and values of community, perseverance, and success. Being involved in Camas High School's band, sports, and clubs has shaped me into a person with goals and dedication. It's important to keep the opportunities the Camas School District has given me for future generations.
Voting to keep the upcoming levies, even with a slight increase, will allow for proper student to teacher ratios, learning materials, and extracurricular activities for all current and future Camas students. Vote yes, Camas in the upcoming election on February 14, to give all Camas students a chance to succeed in school, and to succeed in life.
Rachel Higgins, Camas High School Student
The most striking thing you can notice in this town is that you can never tell where the school ends and the city begins. It seems as if the whole community can be found at Doc Harris on game day, The Camas High School band at the treelighting downtown, or simply in the vibrant faces of our yourth that are seen around town.
Our schools are special, and they continue to need our support. The upcoming vote to renew the existing M/O and tech lev[ies] would be a vote to keep Camas Camas. Nothing new would appear on your tax bill, and the small increase of one or two dollars ensures no hole is left in funding due to changing state contrubutions. These levy renewals will ensure students can continue to enjoy extracurriculars; advanced learning programs; textbooks; and [the] full-service health room that are quintessential to our schools' succes. Without your vote, we run the risk of losing what makes Camas distinctly Camas. As a studeny, I urge you to continue the tradition of support that has built the backbone of this town: Vote Yes, Camas on February 14th.
Kyle Metscher,
Sophomore Member, Camas Youth Advisory Council
Over the past twenty years, I had the privilege of serving as a principal and superintendent of the Camas School District. In addition, our three daughters attended Camas Schools and received an education that has allowed them to pursue their dreams. I have witnessed Camas go from a small town to one of the fastest growing and most desirable cities in Washington. Families are moving to Camas for the same reason that attracted my family: quality schools.
On February 14, we have the opportunity to continue the stewardship of past Camas generations by VOTING YES to replace two expiring levies. Because of inadequate state funding to support basic education, the rich educational program Camas students now enjoy rely heavily on local voter-approved levies. The maintenance and operation and technology levies on the ballot are not a new tax but simply a replacement of expiring levies.
Local levy dollars provide a tremendous return on investment when you consider how important strong schools are to the short and long-term health of any community. I am proud to live in a community that values education, I urge you to join me and vote YES on February 14.
Sincerely,
Mike Nerland, Former Camas School District Superintendent
My name is Madison Kemp. I am a sophomore at Camas High School and proud member of this year’s Class 4A State Champion Camas Papermaker girls’ soccer team. Our team finished with a MaxPreps: #1 State / #1 National and NSCAA/USA Today: #2 Region / #13 National ranking! I was also blessed to lead our team with a new school record 31 goals and was named the Washington State Player of the Year as well as an NSCAA All-American. All of this success is a direct reflection of the support of my parents, coaches, school administrators and most importantly you – my community.
I have been a Camas student since Kindergarten. I feel like I’ve grown up with my town. I have seen old paint become new and bright, gravel become sidewalks, and dirt fields become bustling neighborhoods and a new high school. I see the growth around me and can’t help but feel a different sense of community and school pride then what some other kids may feel living in different areas. I know that I have been blessed with some of the very best teachers and coaches in the area. I know that I am lucky that my parents chose Camas to raise me and my brother. I have been given all of the tools along the way to become the person I am right now. I have you to thank for that – you my Camas community.
On February 14th, I, along with thousands of other “DifferenceMakers” in your local schools ask for your continued support by helping us vote for two important replacement levies. These levies go a long way in providing the kind of support we need to continue to excel in the classroom, sports fields, arts, music, technology, debate and mathematics. These levies will also help maintain our safety at school as well as continue to improve the world class facilities we are blessed to go to school in.
Please vote to approve replacement levies in the Feb. 14, special election. This request is literally pennies for each $1,000 of your assessed property value. It’s such a small price to pay for keeping our community on top. Please remember to Vote Yes, Camas!
Sincerely,
Madison Kemp / Coauthor: Jeff Kemp
Sophomore, Camas High School
4A Girls Soccer Player of the Year / 4A State Champion!
When my husband and I moved to Camas nearly fifteen years ago, we searched for a community with academically strong schools for our boys to attend. Camas had that reputation then and still does today. We have been so grateful for the skilled, caring staff; the challenging, varied curriculum; and the many opportunities for our boys during their time in Camas schools. Our school district partners closely with the Camas community to encourage parent and business involvement in our children’s future with strong PTA’s, mentorships, internships, and volunteerism.
On February 14, residents will again have the opportunity to support our schools by voting yes for the proposed replacement levies. These levies, one for maintenance and operations and the other for technology, are not new taxes but replace existing levies. Yes, there is a slight increase in the rate but this is necessary to bridge the gap between state funding and maintaining the high quality of schools we enjoy.
$0.06 per $1,000
$1.50 per month for $300K home – $18 per year
$2.50 per month for $500K home – $30 per year
Public education funding in Washington state relies heavily on local taxes. In Camas, the levies currently fund about 20 percent of total education costs. Approving the proposed levies simply continues this local funding for smaller class sizes, textbooks and curriculum materials, security staff, health room staff, library staff and materials, AP, Hi-Cap, and accelerated programs, and more.
Please join me by voting “Yes” for strong schools in Camas.
Bonnie Carter, Proud Papermaker Parent
I want to encourage you to vote yes on the maintenance and operations levy [and the technology levy] for Camas Schools this Feb. 14th. [These levies replace] the current one with a nominal increase that is needed to deliver an education that gives our children an edge once they graduate. I have raised my family in Camas and worked in education for 30+ years, and have seen firsthand the countless ways in which the Camas School District supports and promotes students and staff alike.
The school and community partnership makes Team Camas a unique place. As we continue to grow as a district the maintenance and operations levy [and technology levy are] critical to student success to fill in open gaps and provide meaningful after school programs that allow all students opportunities to grow and thrive. Our district does a fantastic job meeting the needs of all students, whether it is cheer, dance, knowledge bowl, or state champion soccer and football teams.
I am very proud to live and work in Camas, and we need your vote to help Camas School programs make a difference in the lives of our students.
Thank you,
Jon Eagle, Camas High School Football Coach
My family and I moved to Camas in 1980 when the population was about 5,000. All my four children attended and graduated from the Camas School District. This exemplary district has supported our children in as complete an array of educational experiences as conceivable. Camas School District has always been on the forefront of the evolution in education.
It is now time to replace the maintenance and operations levy [and the technology levy], which [are] ending. With needing to support the educational aspirations of a town that has grown to 22,000, it is imperative that we not break with the faith and commitment of those who gave of their means before us, to further the education of our younger generation. As the state of Washington is not funding even its obligatory basic portion, it is incumbent upon us to do so. We must fund technology and extracurricular activities as well as those portions of programs which are underfunded by the state.
I wish to herewith express my full support for the passage of [these levies] and hope to persuade others to do so as well.
Roland Minder, Camas High School Girls Soccer Coach
For over 20 years I’ve witnessed a constantly improving and growing school district here in Camas.
Our three kids attended the schools here and are now on to their young adult lives. I feel like I’ve been a part of a community that over those 20 years has come together to provide educational opportunities for a wide variety of learners and extracurricular opportunities for a anyone who wants to, well, do a little bit extra after school.
This community — the city, the citizens and the teachers and administrators — have bonded into a high performing unit that benefits all of us. Strong schools beget a strong community and vice versa. A vibrant downtown Camas spins off from confident citizens. And confident Camas citizens feel really good about our future.
And yes, even those of us whose children have moved on to the rest of their lives benefit from this really great community. And it’s for that reason that I strongly encourage all of us Camas voters, young and old alike, to vote “yes” for the two replacement levies on the February ballot. A “yes” vote will assure the continuation of everything we’ve built in this community – of and for all of us.
Mark Klein, Camas
The Camas community has a long standing tradition of partnering with schools in support of our students. As your superintendent, I get to see first hand the amazing work of staff, students, parents, and our community in ensuring our students have the best education possible. This would not happen without our community partnership.
Part of that partnership includes local funding. Public education funding in Washington state relies heavily on local taxes.
In Camas, the levies currently fund about 20 percent of total education costs. Our current school levies will expire in 2017.
It is time to ask for your renewed commitment to great community schools by supporting the Camas School District replacement levies on Feb. 14. Approving the proposed levies simply continue local funding so critical to the daily operations of our district.
The maintenance and operations replacement levy funds services and materials critical to overall student success. Examples include: smaller class sizes; special education services; accelerated programs for students; extracurricular programs, like athletics, band, drama and academic teams; student health and media services; student safety initiatives; teacher training; and basic needs such as maintenance, utilities, and textbook and curriculum materials.
Our technology levy provides for infrastructure like networks, servers and wifi, and also the devices our students use.
Levy funds help bridge the gap between state funding and what it actually costs to operate our schools.
Funding both the operations and technology replacement levies is a continued investment in our children’s future, an investment that has helped us build and sustain strong schools, one of our community’s greatest assets.
If you have any questions about the levies, please visit the district website or reach out to our staff.
Remember to vote — ballots are due Feb. 14.
Jeff Snell, Camas School District superintendent
I whole-heartedly support the two replacement levies for the Camas School District that will appear on the Feb. 14 ballot.
I came to Camas for the fantastic schools (Didn’t you?). That was 11 years ago, and today I’d make the same choice for all the same reasons: teachers with enthusiasm and experience, schools filled with materials and resources for learning at every level, exciting opportunities beyond the academic day, and capable professionals to keep our kids safe, healthy and supported.
Take a look at the list of things that our local Camas levies fund, and you’ll see more than a few similarities. The positive impact of our levies include: Staff for smaller class sizes; textbooks and curriculum materials; security staff and resource officer; all sports and extracurricular activities; library staff and materials; health room staff and programs; AP, Hi-Cap and accelerated programs; special education staff and materials; technology support staff; professional development; and grounds, maintenance and utilities.
Without a doubt, our local Camas levies are essential for bridging the gap between state funding and the school district’s basic educational needs. What’s more, the maintenance and operations levy and the technology levy are not new taxes; they would replace two levies expiring this year, with a slight increase to cover rising costs.
To maintain the high quality of all Camas schools, which I truly believe are the heart of our tremendous Camas community, I hope you’ll join me in voting “yes,” on Feb 14.
For more information, visit voteyescamas.org, find us on Facebook under votecamasschools, or follow us on Twitter @voteyescamas.
Alicia Brazington, Camas Citizens for Quality Schools
Like me, I’m sure you’ve seen the “Vote Camas Schools” signs around town. I imagine several of you think: didn’t we just vote not too long ago on a school tax measure? The answer is yes, but that was a special bond vote for new buildings and infrastructure for our growing district. This vote is different because it focuses on a “replacement” levy for maintenance, operations and technology. Most importantly it is definitely not a new tax. So why should we care about this ongoing levy funding?
As a retired school administrator I know that these are the life-blood dollars that keep our schools running on a daily basis. They pay for textbooks and curriculum, provide funding to maintain and clean our buildings and grounds, keep sports teams, the band and all extracurricular activities out front for our proud patrons. They also assure access to updated technology and lower class sizes. Simply put, the levy assures the “quality” and access that we’ve come to expect in Camas educational programs. Without levy dollars, our schools and programs would quickly wither.
Those of us who’ve lived here for a long time, know that the Camas “tradition of quality and caring” is something that didn’t emerge by chance. It exists because of longstanding community support of children. Please join me in insuring that this track record of support for Camas kids continues. Vote “yes” to replace the levy on Feb. 14.
Tanis Knight, Retired Camas assistant superintendent
Q: Why did the CSD bond committee recommend the proposed 600-student, project-based high school instead of a second comprehensive high school?
A: This is a question that ties into years of research and discussion prior to the bond as well as three key questions that were considered by the bond committee throughout its planning sessions last year. As Principal of CHS, I have been involved in both, so I have volunteered to answer this question.
From 2011-2014, I co-chaired a Camas High School Futures Committee that researched innovative educational programs for our students as part of our mission to ensure that CHS grew “smarter” not just bigger . That committee helped to create the Integrated Arts & Academics and CamTech programs that currently serve our students. This research continued this past year, when I - along with 50 students, staff, parents and community leaders on the bond committee - explored the question of a second comprehensive high school during the planning phase of the bond. This committee considered three main questions before making its recommendations:
When I was in the third grade at Lacamas Heights Elementary, a new school, Dorothy Fox, opened in Camas. At that time and age, I didn’t realize how that all came about. But now, as I look back on it as an adult, I know exactly what happened – the people of Camas back then, invested in me.
They invested in the students of Camas then and now. It’s humbling to think that a group of people, most of whom had no idea who I was, thought that my educational success was important enough to build a new school. Think about it – complete strangers to me and my schoolmates, invested in us and in our future, and in the future of those still to follow.
That’s truly incredible. But it didn’t stop there; when asked again and again, Camas citizens kept reinvesting through the years in children that they didn’t know, and may not ever know. Every time they responded overwhelmingly by saying yes to Camas schools. Due to their foresight, we now have one of the best school districts in the state. If you are one of those people, I say, “Thank you!”
The story of why we move to Camas may be different, but the reason we stay is the same. We are a small town with a big community. Whether we have lived here for a year, a decade or a generation, we stand together. We have big dreams, long-standing traditions, and we celebrate our successes together. Papermaker pride is known throughout Washington state and beyond.
Camas schools continue to be the bedrock of our growing community. And now we have an opportunity to set a future course for a level of performance we’ve come to expect. When you vote yes for Camas schools in the February bond, you are saying:
Yes to state of the art, inspiring buildings that will continue to make us proud and motivate our students to learn and grow;
