WARDEN — The Warden School District has proposed two levies to the community for the Feb. 10 election. The Educational Programs and Operations Levy and the Capital Levy for safety, security and instructional technology improvements are both designed to support the district's ongoing operational needs and infrastructure improvements. Superintendent Marc Brouillet said both levies are important in maintaining educational standards and student safety. 

"Without this funding, we would be unable to maintain the quality of education that our students deserve," Brouillet said. "We rely heavily on these local funds to supplement what the state provides." 

The two levies are estimated to cost taxpayers a total of $2.82 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Both levies are set for a two-year term and are replacements of previous levies passed by voters. 

Brouillet said there is often confusion about the difference between levies and bonds. 

"Levies are about maintaining our educational programs, while bonds are typically for construction projects. Our current levies are about keeping our essential services running,” he said.   

EP&O Levy  

The EP&O Levy aims to fund a variety of educational programs and services not covered by state funding.  

"This levy is critical for our day-to-day operations," Brouillet said. "It funds everything from athletics to critical staffing positions, and essential materials for education. If it fails, we may have to make significant cuts." 

The proposed EP&O Levy will generate an estimated $2.1 million in 2027 and around $2.3 in 2028. The estimated tax rate for this levy will be $2.40 per $1,000 of assessed property value in 2027 and $2.45 in 2028.  

Additionally, the district expects to receive approximately $1.1 million in Local Effort Assistance funding from the state, which is contingent on the levy passing. 

The EP&O Levy would provide funding for various programs, including athletics and extracurricular activities; staff salaries, including teachers, counselors, nurses and paraeducators; early learning programs and curriculum updates; and daily operational expenses such as transportation, utility costs and food services. 

"Without this funding, we would be unable to maintain the quality of education that our students deserve," said Brouillet. "We rely heavily on these local funds to supplement what the state provides." 

Capital Levy  

The Capital Levy is focused on enhancing safety, security and technology infrastructure. This levy will generate an estimated $377,000 in 2027 and nearly $397,000 in 2028, with an estimated tax rate of $0.42 per $1,000 of assessed property value for both years. 

Brouillet said the Capital Levy was significant with part of the funding going towards improving safety and security measures in WSD facilities. 

"We need to upgrade our security camera systems, ensure that our door-locking mechanisms are effective, and improve our overall safety protocols," he said. "In an era when safety in our schools is a continuing concern nationwide, these upgrades are crucial." 

The Capital Levy will also focus on technology enhancements necessary for modern learning environments.  

"We must stay up to date with technology to provide the best educational experience possible," Brouillet said.  

This includes updating servers, improving internet infrastructure, and ensuring that both staff and students have access to current technology. 

Not new taxes 

As election day approaches, Brouillet urges community members to become informed about the levies.  

"It's really important for residents to understand that these are replacement levies, not new taxes," he said. "The levies facilitate ongoing funding for programs that our students rely on every day." 

If either levy fails, the Warden School District could face severe operational challenges, including potential layoffs and cuts to vital programs, Brouillet said.  

"If we fail this twice, we could lose the ability to pass these levies for the upcoming year, which would significantly impact our capacity to serve our students," Brouillet said. 

He said the community has a crucial role in this election.  

"We appreciate the ongoing support from our community, and we encourage everyone to educate themselves on these upcoming votes, as they directly affect the quality of education our children receive," Brouillet said. 

For more information on the proposals, voters can visit the Warden School District's website at www.warden.wednet.edu.