In response to state budget reductions, the Shoreline School District will present a Supplemental Levy proposal to support class size on the November 8, 2011 general election ballot.

The sole purpose of presenting this levy to voters is to keep as many teachers as possible in Shoreline classrooms.

The decision by the School Board to place the Supplemental Levy on the ballot comes in the wake of cuts to basic education in Shoreline of approximately $6.2 million annually.

Included in these cuts (see chart below) is:

• $4.3 million in voter-approved I-728 dollars used for class-size reduction, staff professional development and extended learning opportunities for struggling students.

• $1.1 million for class-size support in grades K-4, funding which has been in place for many years.

• More than $770,000 was reduced in other areas, including salary compensation.

The state anticipates further reductions to K-12 funding in 2012.

The impact of these reductions is magnified by the additional loss of federal stimulus funds for special education and Title I programs

The measure would require a simple majority for passage. Current estimates suggest that such a measure would increase rates about $36 a year for a home valued at $400,000. Voters in the neighboring districts of Edmonds, Northshore and Seattle have approved similar supplemental levy measures.

Ballots for the general election will be mailed to registered voters October 21 and must be postmarked by election day November 8.

For voter registration information, visit www.kingcounty.gov/elections.

For more information about the Supplemental Levy, please contact the Public Information Office at 206-393-4412 or visit the District Web site: www.shorelineschools.org