Central Kitsap levy on track to pass, but some cost-cutting still planned

Central Kitsap School District's three-year educational enrichment programs and operations levy is on track to pass, based on results released Tuesday by the Kitsap County Auditor's office. But school officials say that several million in cost-cutting measures are still being planned for the coming school year.

The levy, which was failing by 155 votes on election night April 23, is passing by 130 votes as of Tuesday evening with 9,117 "yes" votes (50.4%) and 8,987 "no" votes (49.6%). The overall number of votes counted increased by 66 from the last release from the auditor's office, on April 26.

School levies require a simple majority (50% plus one) to pass. The next vote total update is expected to be Wednesday by 5 p.m. The election certification date is May 3.

Central Kitsap School District Superintendent Erin Prince provided the following statement to the Kitsap Sun: “We’re truly grateful for the ongoing support our community has shown for our students by approving the school support levy replacement. Levy dollars help fund the educational programs and services that our students deserve and that our community expects. Thanks to this support, we are able to provide a variety of student supports, our schools and grounds are clean, safe, and welcoming, and all students have the chance to benefit from after-school clubs, music, and sports. A heartfelt thank you to everyone for continuing to invest in our schools!”

Central Kitsap's levy measure aims to replace a two-year EP&O levy that voters approved in 2022 and expires at the end of the year. If this current levy is approved, Central Kitsap's levy collection amounts would be an estimated $21 million for 2025, $22 million for 2026 and $23 million for 2027. The estimated levy rate for property owners would be $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed value each year. The expiring levy has a rate of $1.50 per $1,000 and raised approximately $20 million in 2023.

Prior to this month's election, Central Kitsap School District administrators talked about the need trim next year's operating budget by $7 million, a reduction tied to declining enrollment and discontinued federal (ESSER) funding tied to the COVID-19 pandemic.

District spokesperson David Beil said the district remains on track to close the Jenne-Wright Administration Center and relocate its staff ahead of the 2024-25 school year. Other cost-cutting measures include the district discontinuing its contracts with AVID, a non-profit college-readiness program, and WEB/Link companies. The district is considering ways to continue similar supports for students outside these contracts, Beil said.

Regarding a hiring freeze announced by Prince in February, Beil said the district will "thoroughly review each vacancy before posting the position. We consider factors like student enrollment and specific operational demands. This helps us ensure our staffing decisions align with our enrollment, strategic goals, and our budget guidelines."

This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Central Kitsap school levy on track to pass after latest vote count