Union Gap levy request small but necessary

UNION GAP -- Of the 11 school levies on the Feb. 14 ballot in Yakima County, Union Gap School District's proposal stands out for increasing less than 1 percent over the existing levy.

The other 10 levies increase the total amount collected by between 6.9 percent for Zillah to nearly 50 percent for Granger.

But Union Gap's nearly $2 million, two-year levy is a 0.9 percent increase over the one voters approved in 2010.

"We feel we can run the school on that amount for two more years," Superintendent Kurt Hilyard said.

The district is projecting that the levy tax rate will be $2.85 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2013 and $2.79 in 2014. The existing rate is $2.95.

The rate is calculated each year using several variables, while projected rates are estimates based on current conditions.

Anticipating several lean fiscal years, Hilyard tried to get the cuts out of the way early. Three certified staff positions were cut three years ago.

With only 25 teachers at the district's K-8 single school, the small number is significant. Even Hilyard teaches algebra every day.

Like all school districts in the Yakima Valley, Union Gap relies heavily on its maintenance and operations levy, which makes up about 15 percent of its $6.8 million general budget. About 67 percent of the district's budget comes from state funding, while federal dollars make up about 18 percent.

The levy supports a variety of things from teachers to student supplies to utilities to the school's Highly Capable program to athletics.

"The levy money supplements the whole package," Hilyard said.

Union Gap School District's proposed M&O levy

Year 2013 2014

Levy Amount $999,808 $999,808

Projected rate* $2.85 $2.79

* Rate per $1,000 of assessed property value.

Source: Union Gap School District