School district leaders are hoping the message of lower taxes for homeowners will spell success for a $78 million bond measure and $21.2 million levy that will be presented on February ballots.

"The levy is not a new tax. It replaces the expiring levy and pays for the daily cost of educating 11,000 students," said new school board president Sherri Crenshaw. "With large cuts in stage funding last year and in the year ahead, the levy is more important than ever."

The bond, which was whittled from an initial $100 million-plus wish list, will replace the district's three oldest schools, Cascade and Liberty elementaries and Marysville Middle School, pay for basic repairs to the M-PHS pool, and fund needed health and safety repairs and technology upgrades across the district.

With the help of community input, school district officials and the Marysville School Board managed to put together a funding package that covers basic needs while lowering the tax burden on property owners. The owner of a $300,000 home will actually see a savings of $48 per year in property taxes over the next four years.

The school levy, which is used to cover teacher salaries, student transportation, utilities, textbooks and student athletics, among other things, is replacing an expiring four-year levy. The levy requires a 50 percent yes vote to pass.

The bond, providing construction financing, also replaces an expiring bond. As provided in the state constitution, bonds require approval by 60 percent of voters to pass.

For detailed information on the bond and levy issues, visit www.msvl.k12.wa.us or www.citizensformarysvilleschools.org.

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