GSI Board of Trustees votes to support School Bonds and Levies and Library Operations Levy
Greater Spokane Inc.’s (GSI) Board of Trustees voted to support the passage of upcoming regional school bond and levy measures, and the Library Operations Levy, all of which will appear on the February 13 special election ballot.
Funding from bonds and levies fills an important gap between what the state funds and what programs cost. Levy funding, used for “learning” goes toward essential classroom materials and extracurricular activities that enhance core curriculum classes, infrastructure, technology, safety and security, and building improvements. Bond funding, used for “building” is used to construct or substantially renovate school facilities.
Many of the levies on the ballots are replacement levies and fund important art, music, technology, STEM, technology, and extracurricular activities and positions such as counselors and nurses.
Education is at the heart of maintaining and growing a healthy economy. It is one of the most important assets we have to attract businesses to our region, create new jobs, and ensure we have a talented workforce to fill those jobs.
“Bond and levy elections give voters an opportunity to communicate our support for kids and schools and to create the future we want for our community. This is an important vote that can provide the necessary programming and support our kids need and helps shape our community and economy,” said Alisha Benson, CEO of Greater Spokane Inc. “K-12 education is an essential ingredient to fueling the growth of our workforce and our economy. We know the future will require new types of skills and knowledge – we want to make sure that our students are prepared to rise to that challenge.”
The Library Operations Levy is a levy renewal that currently funds 18% of library operations and services. The measure helps the Library continue expanded operations and services put in place in 2013 and 2017. Some of these services include library access 7 days a week, access to civic and cultural events, meeting and community gathering spaces and media studios, small business and economic development support, and access to early literacy programming, STEM, and art education.
For more information about the upcoming school levy and bonds and the Library Operations Levy visit Spokane Public Library and EducationGrowsEconomies.com.
