Mukilteo School District puts 6-year capital levy on ballot

MUKILTEO — For the past six years, the Mukilteo School District has had a steady flow of cash for technology upgrades and building repairs.

It was used to replace floors, fix playgrounds and remodel classrooms.

When pipes burst at Olympic View Middle school, the district could dip into the pot for emergency repairs.

Now that source of money is drying up. It was part of a six-year capital levy that raised $20 million during that time.

The Mukilteo School District hopes voters will approve a new six-year capital levy for the same amount. Earlier this week, the school board voted to place the measure on the Feb. 9 ballot.

The tax rate would remain at an estimated 25 cents per $1,000 of assessed value for the first year. That’s $75 on a $300,000 home. The rate would go down two years later when the district expects to seek a separate technology levy.

“The money is really intended for repairs and replacements,” said Andy Muntz, a school district spokesman.

The district has a long list of how the money has been spent over the past six years.

It has been used on energy grants to cut down on power costs, replace stairs at Columbia Elementary School and the sound system at Goddard Stadium. It has helped upgrade the theater at Mariner High School, improve the acoustics in classrooms for behaviorally challenged students and fix heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

“It’s a whole grab bag of work,” Muntz said.

The capital levy requires a simple majority to pass.

Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446, stevick@heraldnet.com

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