Clark County voters will consider a substantial school‑levy package on the upcoming ballot. The Battle Ground School District (BGSD) is seeking more than $116 million over three years – roughly $38 million per year – to fund its operations.

Key figures of the BGSD levy

• Per‑student spending has risen to over $18,000 annually, roughly double what it was a decade ago.
• Test scores have been on a downward trend since 2013, with no clear recovery despite increased spending.
• Personnel costs dominate the budget, accounting for about 85 % of every levy dollar.
• The levy would add approximately $1.76 per $1,000 of assessed property value. For a home assessed at $600,000, that translates to about $1,056 annually, or $88 per month.
• The current capital levy, set to expire in 2027, costs $0.45 per $1,000 of assessed value – roughly $270 per year on a $600,000 home.
• Combined, the new levy would mean roughly half of a homeowner’s property‑tax bill goes to schools.

Additional ballot measures

Two other tax measures appear on the same ballot:

• A jail capital bond of $366 million, projected to cost over $700 million with interest over 31 years. The average homeowner would pay a little more than $80 per year.
• A sheriff/jail personnel levy increase to $1.15 per $1,000 of assessed value – an additional $0.44 per $1,000. On a $600,000 home, that adds roughly $270 per year. The revenue would go into the general fund, not directly to law‑enforcement operations.

Context and considerations

Last year the state legislature added $9 billion in new taxes that will affect residents in the coming years. Voters are urged to view all of these measures together rather than in isolation, weighing whether household income has kept pace with inflation and tax growth.

The letter’s author, Dick Rylander of Battle Ground, questions the timing of the teachers’ contract negotiations, noting that the contract has expired and no wage demands have been disclosed. He suggests the district may be waiting until after the election to reveal cost details.

What voters need to decide

Ultimately, each homeowner must determine whether the proposed tax increases are affordable and whether the district’s spending and performance justify the additional funding. The ballot provides a direct say on how Clark County allocates its tax dollars for education, corrections, and public safety.

For more information on the measures and how to vote, residents should consult the Clark County Elections Office or the official voter guide.

Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.