The Seattle-King County Association of Realtors(r) has endorsed the Highline School District's educational programs and operations levy and contributed both financial support and hands-on assistance to promote its passage.
"We are urging Realtors in the Highline District to support this measure with their vote and whatever time they can invest to help with phone banks, sign waving, mailings and other activities to encourage 'yes' votes," said association president Daniel Kennedy.
He cited the district's willingness to engage the community in efforts to prepare students "for life in the 21st century" and its stewardship of resources as factors that earned the Realtor endorsement.
The March 13 measure requires a 60 percent yes vote. It would replace an expiring levy that provides about one-fifth of the district's general fund revenues.
Passing the proposition would authorize the Highline District, which serves more than 17,000 students, to maintain current funding levels and support for educational programs and operations.
The levy funds approximately 160 teachers and support staff. Additionally, the revenue generated supports bus transportation, special education, and instructional materials including textbooks and computers.
"For many homebuyers, the quality of schools is a top priority. High caliber schools tend to be the first thing potential buyers ask us about," said Realtor Suki Bazan.
She noted that researchers have found housing values are higher where school spending or school test scores are high.
Bazan, the owner of Bazan Realty and a longtime supporter of Highline schools, led the effort to obtain the backing and funding from her fellow Realtors.
Passing the four-year levy would result in a 2008 tax rate of $2.56 per $1,000 of assessed property valuation, gradually rising to $2.72 per $1,000 valuation in 2011.
An owner of a $300,000 home could expect to pay $768 in 2008. For single-family homes that sold within the district during 2006, the median selling price was $309,000, which translates to a tax of $791.
