In November 2022, the Richland School Board unanimously passed a resolution to put a capital projects levy on the February 2023 special election ballot. This capital projects levy would improve and enhance existing security infrastructure at the district’s oldest schools; support staff training in threat assessment and crisis response; allow the district to partner with outside security experts and assist in development and design of safe and secure future high school facilities.
The district has a long history of community support for levies and bonds. However, district leaders anticipated challenges:
- The district had never run a capital projects levy of this kind.
- The district’s Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) and Technology levies were renewed in February 2022, which could confuse voters about another levy being on a ballot so soon.
- The uncertainty of inflation and a potential recession.
- Hostility from members of the community on issues ranging from former state required COVID-19 precautions to controversial positions taken by the Board in the past year.
- The district’s Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) and Technology levies were renewed in February 2022, which could confuse voters about another levy being on a ballot so soon.
- The uncertainty of inflation and a potential recession.
- Hostility from members of the community on issues ranging from former state required COVID-19 precautions to controversial positions taken by the Board in the past year.
Working with the superintendent, operations and capital projects staff, a simple campaign with a focus on transparency was chosen to provide information to the community.
In addition to traditional digital and print informational assets, a new tax calculator tool was developed and made available for community members to determine their current and future property tax costs.
Materials were designed to assist district leaders in presentations with civic and business groups. A Staff Levy Information Toolkit was developed basic facts about the levy and election as well as guidance from the state’s Public Disclosure Commission.
The Capital Projects Levy For Safety & Security passed with 55 percent of voters supporting it.
