1. Maintenance and Operations Levy February 9, 2016 www.msd120.org Academic Success for All Students

2. M&O Levy In Mabton School District, this money is used in the areas of: Curriculum Safety and Security Educational Technology Student Programs A Maintenance and Operations (M&O) Levy is a local property tax that provides funds for educational programs and support services to its schools that are not provided by the state.

3. Mabton School District Levy Facts Levy Amount Levy Equalization Levy Rate A $310,000 levy was approved to be placed on the February 9, 2016 ballot. Passing the levy makes Mabton School District eligible for up to $1,251,000 in Levy Equalization funding from the state. The school tax rate would be about $1.77 per $1,000 of property value and replace the current four- year levy that expires December, 2016. o

4. Levy Equalization Levy Equalization is money provided by the state to school districts located in areas with property values that are lower than average. School districts must pass a levy to receive Levy Equalization funding. These funds help keep tax rates lower. Based on the state’s formula, $310,00 is the amount necessary for Mabton School District to receive the maximum amount of Levy Equalization (up to $1,251,000). VIKINGS MUSIC PROGRAM

5. WHAT GETS FUNDED? Curriculum Textbook Adoptions, AP, Supplies and Materials Safety and Security School Resource Officer, Equipment/Security Cameras Educational Technology Updated Computer Labs, Hardware, Programs, and Individual Student Technology Student Programs Music, Athletics/Athletic Fields, Sports for Middle and School Students

6. How are Washington School Districts Funded on average? On average the state funds 72% of school expenses, federal and other local funds cover 12% leaving approximately 16% to be covered by local property taxes. Note that the state does not fully fund school districts operating costs. We need the funding to maintain existing services. Without the levy, many important services would be cut and/or lost. The $1.77 rate is an increase of $.24 from the approved rate of 2015 during the years 2013-2016. The Mabton Levy Rate compares with other districts 2015 rate as follows: Grandview$1.85/$1,000 Zillah$2.03/$1,000 Toppenish$2.03/$1,000 Granger$2.25/$1,000 Naches$3.44/$1,000 Prosser$3.00/$1,000 Sunnyside$1.69/$1,000 If approved, the new rate of $1.77 will be the second lowest in the county.

7. VOT E Ballots go out to voters on Jan. 20. VOT E