Business groups back school districts’ levies

Two local business groups have given their endorsement to a full slate of school district replacement maintenance and operation levies that will appear on the Feb. 9 ballot.

On Wednesday, the board of directors for the Building Industry Association of Clark County voted to support all eight levies, each of which may fund up to 24 percent of school operating budgets (under a complex state formula).

The levies are in the Vancouver, Evergreen, Battle Ground, Camas, Washougal, Ridgefield, La Center and Woodland districts.

“Quality schools attract quality people to our area and building homes for these people provides a livelihood for thousands of families,” said BIA President Tracy Doriot in a news release.

Sound schools also lure other employers, said Mike Bomar, public affairs director for the 850-member trade association. “If we want to attract more jobs to the area, we need to offer employers an educated work force with 21st century skills,” he said.

The announcement follows an endorsement by the Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce of the Camas and Washougal school levies.

Levy dollars pay for programs not fully covered by state funds, such as class supplies, accelerated programs, athletics and fine arts, transportation, technology and other school needs.