The Clover Park School District exists to create promising futures by providing educational programs in order to prepare its students for the careers of tomorrow. Joint Base Lewis-McChord hosts six CPSD schools: Beachwood Elementary, Carter Lake Elementary, Evergreen Elementary, Hillside Elementary, Meriwether Elementary and Rainier Elementary.

While the district receives state funding for basic education, like other school districts across the state, it relies on voters to renew local levies to cover educational programs - also known as enrichment programs - operations, and the actual cost of educating students and maintaining facilities.

To this end, the district will place a four-year Replacement Educational Programs and Operations Levy before the voters in the Feb. 13, 2024 special election to replace the expiring levy which was approved in 2020.

"The district has been strategic in allocating resources to cover funds beyond what the state allocates for basic education funding," explained Ron Banner, the CPSD's superintendent. "The levy provides critical funding to support student academic readiness, educational technology, safety and security, and student enrichment activities and athletics."

Banner pointed out that money raised through the levy also allows the district to provide updated curriculum, educational technology, and enhanced classroom support and learning for students. 

"The levy funds school security officers and staff, security enhancements at our schools, and student safety, mental health and behavior intervention supports, as well as support for enrichment opportunities in music, performing arts, clubs and athletics," added Banner.  

He went on to say that the replacement levy has allowed the school district to provide intervention programs to support struggling learners, to provide Highly Capable programs, and to cover the unfunded Special Education (SPED) services.

Since the passage of the last levy in 2020, the number of languages spoken in the district has risen from 61 to 77, with an increase of approximately 200 students receiving Multi-Language Learner (MLL) services.  More than 2,200 students are currently served by a Language Education Plan.

Banner also pointed out that nearly 18 percent of the district's students receive Special Education services, which is well above the state average. He added that the CPSD has strengthened its educational programs by adopting updated curriculum in Secondary Science (6-12), High School Math (9-12), Secondary Social Studies (6-12), World Language and Elementary Art.

"This is not a new tax," he stated. "The Replacement Levy would continue the current levy that was approved in 2020 and will expire at the end of this calendar year."

Approval of the replacement levy is estimated to assess $2.36 per $1,000 of assessed property value and would generate an average of $26.6 million each of the four years of the measure.  The district only collects up to the amount approved by the voters.

Low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities may qualify for exemption for property taxes. Additional information about this is available on the Pierce County website.

"We encourage our families and the community to be aware of what the Replacement Educational Programs and Operation Levy funds and to vote on Feb. 13," concluded Banner.

For more information, visit www.cloverpark.k12.wa.us or call Community Relations at 253-583-5040.