Spokane school board requests levy rollback
Good news for taxpayers.
At the Nov. 10 meeting, Spokane Public Schools board of directors took action certifying what it wants the county assessor to assess property owners for the 2005 program levy. That levy was passed by voters in March 2003 for a three-year operational program to supplement what the state provides for basic education.
Assistant school superintendent Mark Anderson said that the board of directors promised voters that, if the state continued helping out with part of the Spokane community’s property tax bill, the board would roll back its tax assessment.
The state did come through with help for property-poor districts like Spokane, which means a property tax rollback of 33 cents per $1,000 of assessed property valuation. This amounts to $33 for a house assessed at $100,000. Instead of an estimated $4.17 per $1,000, the requested assessment will be $3.84.
“It’s a matter of public trust. The board promised that it would do it, and it’s keeping its promise,” said Anderson.
Salk gets national exposure
A national publication called Community Forward, a public service supplement of The Washington Times, recently ran a story about art teacher Jan Foland’s challenge to a group of eighth-grade students.
When asked to design a billboard for a the “Teens Against Substance Abuse Campaign” state contest last year, her students came up with the idea for a “Meth Hotline” that people can call when they think their neighbors might be making methamphetamine.
Students also developed a “We’re Watching You” public awareness campaign, helped produce public service announcements and sent out a news release about their efforts to local media.
In addition to winning the billboard contest, the students won a Chase Youth Award.
Randolph awarded Ignatian
Kirsten Randolph, a senior at Gonzaga Prep was been awarded the Ignatian Service Award. The award honors students who best represent the spirit of community service and being a person for others.
Randolph is the daughter of Phil and Sandra Randolph.
Neil Kempen, director of community service at Gonzaga Prep stated, “Kirsten has been an inspiration to many and has been more than generous with her talents and skills; through her leadership and steady hand she has served her community well. Her quiet resolve to help others and to make the world a better place for all is unsurpassed. She is very deserving of this award.”
Randolph has been a child-care provider for families from her church for the past five years. She is a National Honor Society tutor, president of Ancilla, president of youth group at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, and a volunteer at Sally’s House, a shelter for foster children and volunteers for many other organizations.
Volunteer literacy tutor training
No special training is required to become a volunteer with Spokane Public Schools, but for those who want to become literacy volunteers, a free training session may help them feel more confident in their role.
A training session will be offered next Thursday, from 9 to 11 a.m., at KSPS, 3911 S. Regal St., or from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the Spokane Teachers Credit Union auditorium, 106 W. Nora Ave.
Applications will be available for those who have not yet completed one.