EPHRATA SCHOOL DISTRICT LEVIES PLANNED FOR NOVEMBER BALLOT

Two new school district levies will be up for voter consideration on the November ballot. If approved, these measures will purchase four new yellow school buses and provide capital needed to address facility and infrastructure improvements throughout the district. 

In 2018, Ephrata Schools made a commitment to keep school bonds and levy taxes close to $4.70 per $1,000 of assessed value. Tax rates will remain at this threshold with the approval of these two measures. If approved, taxpayers will pay a total of $4.68 in 2023 and $4.65 in 2024. 

November Levies by the Numbers:

*Per $1,000 assessed property value. Future tax rates are estimates. The Ephrata School District anticipates a replacement Educational Programs & Operations Levy in 2025 for collection in 2026.

The district anticipates running a bond in 2025 or 2026 that will fund a remodel to the high school facility. That initiative, which has yet to be developed, will keep tax rates near the $4.70 threshold in subsequent years.

“When I stepped in as Superintendent, I committed to uphold the tax plan of those that held my position before me,” said Tim Payne, Ephrata School District Superintendent. “We are moving forward on a long-term capital plan that includes the remodel of Ephrata High School in the near future. We’re sensitive to the impact we have on our community and its taxpayers, and are working hard to anticipate the needs of Ephrata’s future while keeping tax rates as stable as possible.”

The Capital Levy for Technology and Infrastructure Improvements will fund:

Athletic Field Lighting Upgrades
This summer, the district replaced poles and lighting on Ephrata High School’s Kiwanis Football Field. The poles supporting field lights were found to be rotten and presented a significant safety hazard. Poles and lighting in other sports fields must be assessed and replaced if needed for safety purposes. Additionally, the lighting fixtures have been discontinued and can no longer be supported when issues arise.

District Storage Facility Construction
The Ephrata School District does not have adequate storage to support its needs. The District currently rents 10 units throughout the community at an expense of nearly $2,400 per month. Construction of a district owned facility will eliminate this monthly expense and efficiently consolidate storage.

Transportation / Maintenance Facility Upgrades
The transportation and maintenance building is one of the oldest facilities in the district. Needed repairs and upgrades are required to keep the building operational. Levy funds will allow those modifications. 

Technology Infrastructure, Equipment and Systems
Given increased cyber security demands, levy funds will allow the district to invest in its infrastructure, funding backbone technology like servers, switches and wiring. In addition, classroom audio visual (AV) equipment will be updated at Parkway Intermediate School and Ephrata High School as these schools were not included in the current scope of the bond projects. Additional funds will support additional wireless infrastructure and access points throughout the district, fund training on technology and pay for installation of these items.

The Levy to Purchase School Buses will fund:

Four Yellow School Buses
The City of Ephrata continues to grow. With that growth comes the need to add bus routes to support the transportation needs of students attending school. These funds will allow for that expansion and allow the district to rotate its fleet and ensure the safety of our riders.

 “We strongly believe that the identified projects and new buses are necessary to meet the growing needs of Ephrata Schools,” said Payne. “We hope that the community of Ephrata will continue its staunch support of our school district.”

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About Ephrata Schools:
Since 1909, Ephrata Schools have provided a quality public education to all students, regardless of ability, race, wealth, language, religion or country of origin. At Ephrata Schools, we exist for kids and learning. We are deeply committed to every child's journey and work hard to ensure that every student graduates ready for career and life. For more information about the Ephrata School District, please visit www.EphrataSchools.org.

Media Contact:
Sarah Morford, Communications Officer | Office: (509) 754-7235 | smorford@ephrataschools.org