HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024 - Bellingham School District No. 501 Prop 2024-13 Replacement Technology Capital Projects LevyWhatcom County
Auditor's Office
Whatcom County Courthouse
311 Grand Avenue, Suite iO3
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
March 15, 2024
Election Results Receipt
Stacy Henthorn
County Auditor
Amy Grasher
Chief Deputy Auditor
Copies of the following proposition election results from the February 13, 2024 Special Election, have
been delivered to the Assessor's and Treasurer's Office:
• Bellingham School District 501: Proposition 2024-12 Replacement Educational
Support and Operations Levy and Proposition 2024-i3 Replacement Technology
Capital Projects Levy
• Ferndale School District 502: Proposition 2024-11, School Programs and Operations
Replacement Levy
• Blaine School District 503: Proposition 2024-07, Replacement Educational
Programs and Operations Levy and Proposition 2024-o8, General Obligations
Bonds - $70,000,000
• Lynden School District 504: Proposition 2024-01 Renewal of Educational Programs
and Operations Levy and Proposition 2024-02 General Obligations Bond -
$157,500,000
• Meridian School District 505: Proposition 2024-09, Educational Programs and
Operations Replacement Levy and Proposition 2024-1o, Replacement
Technology Capital Projects Levy
• Nooksack Valley School District 5o6: Proposition 2024-04, Replacement
Educational Programs and Operations Levy
• Mt Baker School District 507: Proposition 2024-05, Educational Programs and
Operations Replacement Levy and Proposition 2024-o6, Renewal Capital
Projects Levy
• Concrete School District No. ii: Proposition No. 1, Replacement of Expiring Levy for
Educational Programs and Operations and Proposition No. z, Capital Levy for Safety,
Security and Accessibility Improvements
• Fire Protection District 8: Proposition 2024-i4, Tax Levy for Maintenance, Facilities
and Operations
Blaine -Birch Bay Park & Recreation District 2: Proposition 2024-03, Authorizing
Continuing Property Tax Levy
Receipt Acknowledged:
Assessor's Office:
Reb cca czar Date
Treasurer's Office:
7
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Steven Dliver Da e
Page 2
Statement of Votes Cast by Geography Page: 1 of 1
Whatcom County, Washington, February Special, Feb 13, 2024 2024-02-23
All Precincts, All Districts, All Counter Groups, All ScanStations, BSD 501 Prop 2024-12 Replacement 09:26:24
Edu Sup & Ope Levy, BSD 501 Prop 2024-13 Replacement Tec Cap Pro Levy, All Boxes
Total Ballots Cast: 28204, Reclistered Voters: 159750, Overall Turnout: 17.66%
Choice Votes Vote %
All Precincts
BSD 501 Prop 2024-12 Replacement Edu Sup & Ope Levy (Vote for 1)
28204 ballots (3 over voted ballots, 3 overvotes, 90 undervotes), 77405 registered voters, turnout 36.44%
Yes 18564 66.04%
No 9547 33.96%
Total 28111 100, 00%
Overvotes 3
Undervotes 90
BSD 501 Prop 2024-13 Replacement Tec Cap Pro Levy (Vote for 1)
28204 ballots (1 over voted ballots, 1 overvotes, 104 undervotes), 77405 registered voters, turnout 36.44%
Yes 18421 65.56%
No 9678 34.44%
Total 28099 100.00%
Overvotes 1
Undervotes 104
STATE OF WASHINGTON )
) ss
COUNTY OF WHATCOM )
This is to certify that on February 13, 2024, there was held a special election in Bellingham School District 501,
Whatcom County, Washington, for the submission of a ballot measure to the voters for their approval or rejection.
The results of the election were duly canvassed by the Whatcom County Canvassing Board on February, 23, 2024,
and the results of said canvass are as reads above.
Dated this 29th day of February, 2024, Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington.
Stacy Henthorn
County Auditor
Final Language
Ballot Title
Bellingham School District 501
Proposition 2024-13
Replacement Technology Capital Projects Levy
The Board of Directors adopted Resolution No. 30-23 concerning a replacement technology levy. This
proposition authorizes acquisition, installation and management of computer technology systems;
enhanced infrastructure; staffing and training; licensing software; projects and infrastructure updates
for school safety; maintenance improvement purchases, and other capital projects, and authorizes the
following excess levies for such purposes on all taxable property within the district:
Collection ✓ _
Years
2025 I
i 2026 i^
2027
2028
Approximate
Levy Rate/$1,000 _
Levy
Assessed Value
Amount
_
_ $0.61_
$19,000,000
y $0.63 _
$20,000,000
$0.64
$21,000,000
$0.65
$22,000,000
all as provided in District Resolution No. 30-23.
Should this proposition be approved?
Yes
No
Explanatory Statement
Passage of Proposition 2024-13 would allow the levy of: $19,000,000 in property taxes within
Bellingham School District 501 for collection in 2025, $20,000,000 in 2026, $21,000,000 in 2027, and
$22,000,000 in 2028. This levy, in accordance with Resolution #30-23, would be used to pay for learning
technology, enhanced school safety infrastructure, maintenance and building improvements, and
related costs. Based on projected information, estimated levy rates per $1,000 of assessed value may be
$0.61(2025 collection), $0.63 (2026 collection), $0.64 (2027 collection), and $0.65 (2028 collection). The
exact levy rate shall be determined at the time of the levy.
Whatcom County Auditor's Office
IVBallot Measure Coversheet
District Information
District Name:
District Address:
Bellingham School District No. 501
1306 Dupont Street, Bellingham, WA 98225-3118
Contact Person i
Kathryn Weilage, Chief Financial Officer
Name & Title
Contact Person 2
Jacqueline Brawley, Executive Director, Communications and Community Relations
Name & Title
(360)2209830kathryn.weilage@bellinghamschools.org (360)8204765jacqueline.brawley@bellinghamschools.org
Phone & email Phone & email
Attornpzy Information
Cynthia M. Weed, K&L Gates LLP
Name & Title
(206) 623 7580 cynthia.weed@klgates.com
Phone & email
Resolution
with original signatures or a certified copy
Explanatory Statement
prepared by your attorney, not to exceed loo words
"For" and "Against" Committee Appointment Forms
Completed Ballot Measure Coversheet
Complete if anything is missing...
I understand that the deadline to submit the missing
information is
The Auditor's Office will not begin processing this ballot
measure until all required documents have been submitted.
Presenter's Signature
Has your attorney prepared this ballot measure?
(F) Yes ® No
(circle one)
es No
Yes No
es No
Yes No
Received In Person
DEC 13 2023
Whatcom County Elections
jKA
Dep Vhuditor's Signature
This form is available in a fillable form on the Auditor's website: t=p5-dLL1tYVS wtL7 10MC=Jaty.Urd3S33kDiUdCt.I?A5,01 ei-
d A".
Received In Person
DEC 13 2023
Whatcom County Elections
BELLINGHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 501
WHATCOM COUNTY WASHINGTON
REPLACEMENT TECHNOLOGY CAPITAL PROJECTS LEVY
RESOLUTION NO. 30-23
A RESOLUTION of the Board of Directors of Bellingham School District
No. 501, Whatcom County, Washington, providing for the submission to the
qualified electors of the District at a special election to be held therein on
February 13, 2024, of a proposition to authorize the District to levy an
additional tax to provide a total of $82,000,000 for the District's Capital
Projects Fund for acquisition, installation and management of computer
technology systems; enhanced infrastructure; staffing and training; licensing
software; projects and infrastructure updates for school safety; maintenance
improvement purchases, and other capital projects, such levies to be made for
four years commencing in 2024 for collection in the calendar years from 2025
through 2028.
ADOPTED OCTOBER 12, 2023
507031869.1
RESOLUTION NO. 30-23
A RESOLUTION of the Board of Directors of Bellingham School District
No. 501, Whatcom County, Washington, providing for the submission to the
qualified electors of the District at a special election to be held therein on
February 13, 2024, of a proposition to authorize the District to levy an
additional tax to provide a total of $82,000,000 for the District's Capital
Projects Fund for acquisition, installation and management of computer
technology systems; enhanced infrastructure; staffing and training; licensing
software; projects and infrastructure updates for school safety; maintenance
improvement purchases, and other capital projects, such levies to be made for
four years commencing in 2024 for collection in the calendar years from 2025
through 2028.
WHEREAS, the educational facilities of Bellingham School District No.501,
Whatcom County, Washington (the "District"), including technology facilities, are in need of
modernization, improvements and expansion to meet the current and future educational and
operational needs for its students; and
WHEREAS, the current capital project levies expire following the 2024 collections; and
WHEREAS, funds available to the District will be insufficient to enable the District to
implement such modernization improvements; and
WHEREAS, in order to support the cost of these improvements as found necessary
by the Board of Directors, it is deemed advisable that the District levy a tax upon all the
taxable property within the District, such levy to be made for four years commencing in 2024
for collection in the calendar years from 2025 through 2028 inclusive, as authorized by
Article VII, Section 2 of the State Constitution and RCW 84.52.053; and
WHEREAS, the question of whether or not such excess tax may be levied must be
submitted to the qualified electors of the District for their ratification or rejection; and
WHEREAS, the conditions here and above set forth require the holding of a special
election in the District;
507031869.1
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
BELLINGHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 501, WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON as
follows:
Section 1. Findin . It is hereby found and declared that the welfare of the students and
other residents of the District requires the District to carry out the improvements hereinafter
provided.
Section 2. Authorization of improvements. The District shall modernize its educational
and operational facilities through the acquisition, development, installation and implementation
and management of computer technology and security systems, facilities and projects,
including but not limited to enhancing infrastructure, acquiring hardware, licensing software,
and implementing online applications and training related to the installation of the foregoing as
an integral part of the District's technology systems, facilities, or projects; and the application
and modernization of technology systems for operations and instruction, and related capital
expenses to support the instructional programs and operations of the District, including, but not
limited to, the ongoing fees for online applications, subscriptions, or software licenses, including
upgrades and incidental services, and ongoing training and other costs associated with the
installation and integration of these products or services; and shall make other capital project
expenditures, to the full extent permitted by law, as determined by the Board of Directors. In
addition, the District shall make other necessary capital equipment purchases and facility
improvements to modernize District facilities and safety systems, including, but not limited to the
installation of security cameras, cabling and infrastructure; network infrastructure, intercoms,
staffing, and the purchase of machinery and equipment.
-2-
507031869,1
The District may repay any obligations hereafter incurred for the foregoing purposes.
If available funds are sufficient, the District shall acquire, construct, equip and make
other capital improvements to the facilities of the District, all as the Board of Directors finds
necessary; provided that such funds may be used only to support the construction, modernization,
replacement, and remodeling of or maintenance of school facilities or implementation,
application and modernization of the District's technology systems, as permitted by law.
If the District shall determine that it has become impracticable to accomplish any of such
improvements or portions thereof by reason of changed conditions or needs, incompatible
development, costs substantially in excess of those estimated, or acquisition by a superior
governmental authority, the District shall not be required to accomplish such improvement and
may apply levy proceeds as set forth in this section. If any or all of the improvements have been
completed, or their completion duly provided for, or their completion found to be impractical,
the District may apply the levy proceeds or any portion thereof to other portions of the
improvements or to other capital purposes of the District, as the District in its discretion shall
determine. Notwithstanding any provision of this resolution to the contrary, levy proceeds may
only be used to support the construction, modernization or remodeling of or maintenance to
school facilities or the implementation, application and modernization of the District's
technology systems as described above or as authorized by the Board of Directors.
Section 3. Authorization of Levies. It is hereby found and declared that the best interests
of the District require the submission to the qualified electors of the District of the proposition
whether the District shall make the Capital Projects Fund levies for their ratification or rejection
at a special election to be held on February 13, 2024.
-3-
507031869.1
For the purpose of providing funds necessary for the needs described in Section 2 above,
the Whatcom County Auditor, as ex ofcio supervisor of elections in Whatcom County, is hereby
requested to call and conduct such special election to be held within the District on such day and
to submit to the qualified electors of the District for their approval or rejection, a proposition
providing for tax levies for the Capital Projects Fund for four years, commencing in 2024,
producing dollar amounts at estimated tax rates per thousand dollars of assessed value to
produce such amounts, in excess of the maximum amount tax levy permitted by law to be levied
within the District without a vote of the electors, all as follows:
A. $19,000,000, said levy to be made in 2024 for collection in 2025; and
B. $20,000,000, said levy to be made in 2025 for collection in 2026, and
C. $21,000,000, said levy to be made in 2026 for collection in 2027; and
D. $22,000,000, said levy to be made in 2027 for collection in 2028.
The estimated levy rate depends upon the final dollar amount of assessed value of the property
within the District. At this time, based upon information provided by the Whatcom County
Assessor's office, the estimated levy rate for the 2024 levy is $0.61 per thousand dollars of
assessed valuation; the estimated levy rate for the 2025 levy is $0.63 per thousand dollars of
assessed valuation; the estimated levy rate for the 2026 levy is $0.64 per thousand dollars of
assessed valuation; and the estimated levy rate for the 2027 levy is $0.65 per thousand dollars
of assessed valuation. The exact levy rate shall be adjusted based upon the actual assessed value
of the property within the District at the time of the levy.
M
507031869.1
Section 4. Approval of Form of Ballot. The Secretary of the Board of Directors is
hereby authorized and directed to certify said proposition to the Whatcom County Auditor, as
ex ofcio supervisor of elections in Whatcom County, substantially in the following form:
PROPOSITION NO.2
BELLINGHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 501
(BELLINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS)
REPLACEMENT TECHNOLOGY CAPITAL PROJECTS LEVY
The Board of Directors adopted Resolution No. 30-23 concerning a replacement
technology levy. This proposition authorizes acquisition, installation and
management of computer technology systems; enhanced infrastructure; staffing
and training; licensing software; projects and infrastructure updates for school
safety; maintenance improvement purchases, and other capital projects, and
authorizes the district to replace an expired levy and to levy the following excess
levies for such purposes on all taxable property within the district:
Approximate
Collection
Levy Rate/$1,000
Levy
Years
Assessed Value
Amount
2025
$0.61
$19,000,000
2026
$0.63
$20,000,000
2027
$0.64
$21,000,000
2028
$0.65
$22,000,000
all as provided in District Resolution No. 30-23. Should this proposition be
approved?
YES......... ❑
NO......... ❑
The Secretary of the Board of Directors is hereby authorized to deliver a certified copy
of this resolution to the Whatcom County Auditor.
Section 5. For purposes of receiving notice of the exact language of the ballot title
required by RCW 29A.36.080, the Board hereby designates (a) the District's Superintendent
(Dr. Greg Baker), telephone: 360-676-6501; email: Greg.Baker@bellinghamschools.org; and (b)
-5-
507031869.1
special counsel, K&L Gates LLP (Cynthia Weed), telephone: 206.370.7801; email:
cynthia.weed@klgates.com, as the individuals to whom the Auditor shall provide such notice. The
Secretary is authorized to approve changes to the ballot title, if any, deemed necessary by the
Auditor or the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney.
Section 6. Voters' Pamphlet. Pursuant to authority granted by RCW 29A.32.220, the
Board of Directors hereby authorizes the District's participation in the local voters' pamphlet for
the February 13, 2024 election and requests that the Whatcom County Auditor prepare and publish
a voters' pamphlet for this proposition. The District understands and agrees that it will be required
to pay its proportionate share of the expenses of the voters' pamphlet.
IS
507031869.1
ADOPTED by the Board of Directors of Bellingham School District No. 501, Whatcom
County, Washington, at a regular meeting thereof, held this 12th day of October, 2023.
BELLINGHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 501,
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Ul -�I.!2 `-V&CA .
Preside and Director
Director
Director
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V / Director
A, K—
Director
ATTEST:
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Secretary, oard of Directors
-7-
507031869.1
r-.
CERTIFICATE
I, the undersigned, Secretary of the Board of Directors of Bellingham School District No. 501,
Whatcom County, Washington, (the "District") and keeper of the records of the Board of Directors
(the "Board"), DO HEREBY CERTIFY:
1. That the attached resolution is a true and correct copy of Resolution No. 30-23 of the
Board (the "Resolution"), duly adopted at a regular meeting thereof held on the 12th day of October,
2023.
2. That said meeting was duly convened and held in all respects in accordance with law,
and to the extent required by law, due and proper notice of such meeting was given; that a legal
quorum was present throughout the meeting and a legally sufficient number of members of the Board
voted in the proper manner for the adoption of the Resolution; that all other requirements and
proceedings incident to the proper passage of the Resolution have been duly fulfilled, carried out and
otherwise observed; and that I am authorized to execute this certificate.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 12th day of October, 2023.
Secretary, Board of Directors
507031869.1
OFFICIAL BALLOT
BELLINGHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 501
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
February 13, 2024
INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS: To vote in favor of the following proposition, place a cross
(X) in the square opposite the word "YES"; to vote against the following proposition, place a
cross (X) in the square opposite the word "NO."
PROPOSITION NO.2
BELLINGHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 501
(BELLINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS)
REPLACEMENT TECHNOLOGY CAPITAL PROJECTS LEVY
The Board of Directors adopted Resolution No. 30-23 concerning a replacement
technology levy. This proposition authorizes acquisition, installation and
management of computer technology systems; enhanced infrastructure; staffing
and training; licensing software; projects and infrastructure updates for school
safety; maintenance improvement purchases, and other capital projects, and
authorizes the district to replace an expired levy and to levy the following excess
levies for such purposes on all taxable property within the district:
Approximate
Collection
Levy Rate/$1,000
Levy
Years
Assessed Value
Amount
2025
$0.61
$19,000,000
2026
$0.63
$20,000,000
2027
$0.64
$21,000,000
2028
$0.65
$22,000,000
all as provided in District Resolution No. 30-23. Should this proposition be
approved?
YES....,.... ❑
NO......... ❑
507031869.1
CERTIFICATE
I, the undersigned, Secretary of the Board of Directors of Bellingham School District No.
501, Whatcom County, Washington (the "District"), and keeper of the records of the Board of
Directors (the "Board"), DO HEREBY CERTIFY:
That the attached resolution is a true and correct copy of Resolution No. 30-23 of
the Board (the "Resolution"), duly adopted at a regular meeting thereof held on the 12th day of
October, 2023.
2. That said meeting was duly convened and held in all respects in accordance with
law, and to the extent required by law, due and proper notice of such meeting was given; that a
legal quorum was present throughout the meeting and a legally sufficient number of members of
the Board voted in the proper manner for the adoption of the Resolution; that all other
requirements and proceedings incident to the proper passage of the Resolution has been duly
fulfilled, carried out and otherwise observed; and that I am authorized to execute this certificate.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 121h day of October, 2023.
Secretary, Board of Directors
NOTICE
BELLINGHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 501
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
February 13, 2024
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on February 13, 2024, a special election will be held by mail
in the above -named school district for the submission to the qualified electors of said school
district of the following proposition:
PROPOSITION NO.2
BELLINGHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 501
(BELLINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS)
REPLACEMENT TECHNOLOGY CAPITAL PROJECTS LEVY
The Board of Directors adopted Resolution No. 30-23 concerning a replacement
technology levy. This proposition authorizes acquisition, installation and
management of computer technology systems; enhanced infrastructure; staffing
and training; licensing software; projects and infrastructure updates for school
safety; maintenance improvement purchases, and other capital projects, and
authorizes the district to replace an expired levy and to levy the following excess
levies for such purposes on all taxable property within the district:
Approximate
Collection
Levy Rate/$1,000
Levy
Years
Assessed Value
Amount
2025
$0.61
$19,000,000
2026
$0.63
$20,000,000
2027
$0.64
$21,000,000
2028
$0.65
$22,000,000
all as provided in District Resolution No. 30-23. Should this proposition be
approved?
YES......... ❑
NO......... ❑
507031869.1
Whatcom County Auditor
Election Date: February 13, 2024
Name of Jurisdiction Submitting Measure: Bellingham School District No. 501, Whatcom
County, Washington
Contact Name: Cynthia Weed
Daytime Contact Phone Number: 206-623-7580
Word Count: 100
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT - PROPOSITION NO.2
Passage of Proposition No. 2 would allow the levy of. $19,000,000 in property taxes within
Bellingham School District No. 501 for collection in 2025, $20,000,000 in 2026, $21,000,000 in
2027, and $22,000,000 in 2028. This levy, in accordance with Resolution #30-23, would be used
to pay for learning technology, enhanced school safety infrastructure, maintenance and building
improvements, and related costs. Based on projected information, estimated levy rates per $1,000
of assessed value may be $0.61 (2025 collection), $0.63 (2026 collection), $0.64 (2027 collection),
and $0.65 (2028 collection). The exact levy rate shall be determined at the time of the levy.
502481484 v1