In three days, Coupeville school leaders will find out what kind of community support they still enjoy in troubled economic times.

The initial results from two levy proposals will be known Election Day, Feb. 9.

First, the Coupeville School District is asking voters to reauthorize the district’s maintenance and operations levy, which is seen as vital as it accounts for approximately 20 percent of the district’s revenue. If approved, the school district would receive $2.17 million in 2011 and $2.47 million in 2014. The levy funds staff position, material purchases and the advisors and coaches for school district activities.

Second, the district is asking voters to approve a technology levy. If voters approve, the school district will collect $300,000 each of the next four years to buy new computers, a phone system in the elementary school and train staff.

A third proposal is non-monetary, and asks that two of the five school board positions be elected at-large, in an effort to increase the number of school board candidates.

The combined levy rate for both proposals would be $1.23 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Both have to pass by a 50 percent simple majority.

Approximately 6,800 ballots were mailed to voters living within the Coupeville School District boundaries.

As of Thursday afternoon, the Island County Auditor’s Office had received 2,675 ballots from Coupeville voters, which is just short of the 2,715 needed to validate. Voters have to have their ballot postmarked no later than Feb. 9 in order for it to be counted. They can also drop off their ballot at the Island County Auditor’s Office located at 400 N. Main St. in Coupeville. The office will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 8.

In the days leading up to election day, volunteers will be busy encouraging people to participate.

Deb Tasoff, co-chair of the community committee tasked with promoting the levies, said volunteers will be manning phone banks Monday. If it looks like voter turnout is low, then some volunteers will wave signs at major intersections on Tuesday.

The Coupeville School District can’t promote the levy proposals, but can inform residents of the details of the election. Superintendent Patty Page has visited community groups in recent days, wrapping up Thursday with a presentation to PTA members. In addition the school district published a levy brochure and has the same information posted online at coupeville.k12.wa.us.

Contact Whidbey News Times Staff reporter Nathan Whalen at nwhalen@whidbeynewsgroup.com or 360-675-6611 ext. 5058.

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