I’m writing to express support for the two levies the Ridgefield School District will have on the Feb. 11 ballot.
Prop. 12 is a replacement of the expiring Educational Programs and Operations Levy which runs for three years. It is 25 cents more per $1,000 of valuation than last time ($1.75 per $1,000 assessed value) but it is essential to the operation of the district. Consider: no sports, no drama, no band, no Resource Center if it does not pass.
Prop. 13 is a new way to fund the construction of a new elementary school. People have been saying after every bond failure: “make the builders pay.” Well, this time the school board is listening. They will use $21 million in impact fees paid by builders, $16 million in state funds (assuming the levy passes) and $21 million in levy dollars to build the new school and replace failing roofs on the Union Ridge and South Ridge school buildings. Your taxes will go up 84 cents per $1,000 assessed value BUT ONLY FOR THREE YEARS. Obviously, we will be paying a lot less in interest compared to a bond.
Please join me in voting YES for Props. 12 and 13.
