Benton County Official Local Voters’ Pamphlet
Registration Deadlines: These deadlines apply to new registrations & voter updates! Mail: February 2 Online: February 2 In-Person: February 10 Military & Overseas Ballots Mailed: January 7 Ballots Mailed: January 21
Additional Resources:
February 10, 2026 Special Election Ballot Drop Box Locations: Courthouse 620 Market St., Prosser Benton City - City Hall 1009 Dale Ave., Benton City West Richland Library (Drive up) 3803 W. Van Giesen St., West Richland West Richland - City Hall (Drive up) 3100 Belmont Blvd., West Richland Jefferson Park (Drive up) Symons St., Richland
Local Election Information www.bentoncountywa.gov/elections
WSU Tri-Cities (Drive up) 2770 Crimson Way, Richland
County Information www.bentoncountywa.gov/auditor
Badger Mountain Community Park (Drive up) 350 Keene Rd., Richland
State Election Information www.sos.wa.gov
Benton County Elections Center 7122 W. Okanogan Pl. Bldg. F, Kennewick
Campaign Finance Information www.pdc.wa.gov
Benton County Campus (Drive up) 7122 W. Okanogan Pl., Kennewick
For a list of the people and organizations that donated to state and local candidates and ballot measure campaigns, visit www.pdc.wa.gov.
Kennewick - City Hall (Drive up) 524 S. Auburn St., Kennewick Finley Middle School (Drive Up - In Parking Lot Streetside) 37208 S. Finley Rd., Kennewick
Published by the Benton County Auditor
Table of Contents
Information for Voters Letter to Voters.................................................................................................. Pg. 2 Ballot Measures Kennewick School District No. 17 - Proposition No. 1 ................................ Pgs. 3-4 Kennewick School District No. 17 - Proposition No. 2 ................................ Pgs. 5-6 Grandview School District No. 200 - Proposition No. 1 ............................... Pgs. 7-8 Richland School District No. 400 - Proposition No. 1 ................................. Pgs. 9-10 Richland School District No. 400 - Proposition No. 2 ............................... Pgs. 11-12 Notices We Have Moved & Your Signature Matters ................................................... Pg. 13 Voting in Benton County ................................................................................. Pg. 14
Letter to Voters
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Dear Benton County Voters, We are pleased to present the 2026 Benton County Local Voters’ Pamphlet for the February 10, 2026 Special Election! This winter you are going to have an opportunity to shape the future of our community by participating in the election process. You will be voting on measures that affect you, your family, and your neighborhood. When you vote, you have a direct say in our government at the local, state, and federal level. This pamphlet is designed as a reference tool to help you make informed decisions. Inside you’ll find useful information about voter registration, deadlines for returning your ballot, and ballot drop box locations. This pamphlet includes ballot measures and pro and con committee statements for ballot measures. Please note that we do not make edits or corrections to any statements. To be eligible to vote in a special election in a jurisdiction, you must be a registered voter and live in the participating district. Your Signature Matters! Your signature is how we verify your ballot. Two of the most common reasons ballots are unable to be processed are that they are returned without a signature, or with a signature that does not match what we have on file. When completing your ballot, please take care to sign the return envelope and sign carefully with your usual signature – the one you used when you registered to vote. We want to help every eligible person register to vote and every registered voter receive their ballot. The earlier the Elections Division is contacted by individuals who need a replacement ballot, want to register to vote and receive a ballot, or have related issues, the more options there will be available to provide assistance. You can call us at (509) 736-3085, send an email to elections@co.benton.wa.us, visit our website – www.bentoncountywa.gov/elections, or come into one of our offices at: Benton County Elections Center, 7122 W. Okanogan Pl. Bldg. F, Kennewick Auditor’s Office, Benton County Courthouse, 620 Market St., Prosser, WA Both offices are open weekdays 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., and on Election Day 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. The Benton County Elections Division is dedicated to assisting all voters, candidates, and jurisdictions in the election process while ensuring elections are conducted securely, accurately, and transparently in compliance with the laws of the State of Washington.
Amanda Hatfield Benton County Elections Manager
Kennewick School District No. 17 | Proposition No. 1
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Local Ballot Measure
Explanatory Statement
PROPOSITION NO. 1 KENNEWICK SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 17 REPLACEMENT EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND OPERATIONS LEVY
PROPOSITION NO. 1 – REPLACEMENT EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND OPERATIONS LEVY
The Board of Directors of Kennewick School District No. 17 adopted Resolution No. 2, 2025-2026, concerning a proposition to finance educational programs and operations expenses. This proposition would authorize the District to meet the educational needs of its students by levying the following excess taxes, replacing an expiring levy, on all taxable property within the District, for educational programs and operations expenses not funded by the State of Washington:
Collection Year 2027
Estimated Levy Rate/$1,000 Assessed Value $1.71
Levy Amount $29,500,000
2028
$1.74
$31,500,000
2029
$1.73
$33,000,000
2030
$1.74
$34,500,000
all as provided in Resolution No. 2, 2025-2026. Should this proposition be approved?
Passage of Proposition No. 1 would allow Kennewick School District to replace an existing educational programs and operations levy that will expire at the end of calendar year 2026. This replacement levy will pay for expenses of educational programs and operations that are not fully funded by the State of Washington. These expenses include, but are not limited to: student learning and staffing; operations and maintenance; security, health and safety; transportation operations; instructional support; co-curricular and extra-curricular athletic activities; and other educational program and operations expenses. Further information is available on the District’s website at www.ksd.org. The proposed four-year replacement educational programs and operations levy would authorize collection of taxes to provide up to $29,500,000 in 2027, $31,500,000 in 2028, $33,000,000 in 2029, and $34,500,000 in 2030. The levy rates per $1,000 of assessed value required to produce these amounts are estimated to be $1.71 in 2027, $1.74 in 2028, $1.73 in 2029, and $1.74 in 2030. Exemptions from taxes may be available, call the Benton County Assessor 509.786.2046.
LEVY YES
LEVY NO The Official Ballot Title was written by the The Board of Directors of Kennewick School District No. 17 as required by law. The Benton County Auditor is not responsible for the content of arguments or statements.
Pro Committee & Contact Information
Con Committee & Contact Information
Kennewick Citizens’ Levy & Bond Committee Patrick Mastaler Mary Lynn Merriman Jan Fraley Committee Contact: 509-308-4286 patmastaler@gmail.com
Dominick Ramos-Romero Committee Contact: 509-987-4921 drdominickramos@gmail.com
Kennewick School District No. 17 | Proposition No. 1
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Pro Committee Statement
Con Committee Statement
Vote Yes for our kids, our schools, and our community.
I support the programs funded through Kennewick School District’s levy and appreciate the strong value KSD provides to taxpayers. Kennewick also maintains the lowest taxes among the three local districts, and has the highest OSPI Financial Health Indicator Score at a 3.7 out of 4. I appreciate KDS using levy funds responsibly for priorities like the school safety officer program.
Our community believes every student deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. A Yes vote on the Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy supports that mission and strengthens our schools for the next four years while maintaining a steady overall local tax rate. This levy is not a new tax. It replaces an existing voter-approved levy expiring in 2026. Each of the 19,100 students benefit. The EP&O Levy supports a well-rounded education that prepares students for college, careers, and life. It sustains college credit-earning programs, dual language, music, art, athletics, and extracurricular activities—opportunities that help students discover their strengths and reach their full potential.
With that said, taxes, especially from Olympia, are steep and in general I’m opposed to most taxes. While I believe the district is working hard to keep taxes low, and spread our tax dollars wisely, I am still hesitantly voting NO on this levy.
The levy also ensures students learn in safe, supportive, and inclusive environments. It funds special education services, librarians, school nurses, psychologists, counselors, and the staff who maintain clean, secure, and welcoming schools. It supports transportation, prevention programs, and safety measures that protect student well-being. A Yes vote returns funding to our community. Passing the levy makes the district eligible for approximately $66 million in state Local Effort Assistance over four years—funds our community already pays in state taxes and only receives if the levy is approved. A Yes vote helps our community reclaim these state tax dollars and return them directly to our local schools. Vote Yes on the EP&O Levy and the Safety, Security & Information Technology Levy.
Pro Committee Rebuttal Statement
Con Committee Rebuttal Statement
As community members, we know how valuable good schools are for not only students and families, but for our No Statement Submitted entire community. Kennewick School District does have a strong record using our tax dollars wisely. These two levies are specifically designed to keep our tax levels steady. We encourage voters to support our local schools, bring LEA funds back to our community, and help create a strong community. Please vote Yes.
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Kennewick School District No. 17 | Proposition No. 2
Local Ballot Measure
Explanatory Statement
PROPOSITION NO. 2 KENNEWICK SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 17 REPLACEMENT LEVY FOR SAFETY, SECURITY AND INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY IMPROVEMENTS
PROPOSITION NO. 2 – REPLACEMENT LEVY FOR SAFETY, SECURITY AND INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY IMPROVEMENTS
Passage of Proposition No. 2 would allow Kennewick School District to replace an existing capital levy that will expire at the end of calendar year 2026. This replacement levy will be used to continue The Board of Directors of Kennewick School District No. making safety, security and instructional technology 17 adopted Resolution No. 3, 2025-2026, concerning a improvements District-wide. The safety and security improvements include, but are not limited to, proposition to finance safety, security and instructional implementing and upgrading perimeter security, technology improvements. This proposition would authorize the District to levy the following excess taxes, access controls, single point-of-entry enhancements, replacing an expiring levy, on all taxable property within security cameras, alarms, communication enhancements, fire safety and security panels, door the District, to make District-wide safety and security security enhancements, interior and exterior lighting, improvements, install instructional technology, replace and traffic improvements. and upgrade computers, devices, hardware and The technology improvements include, but are not software, and provide related training and support: limited to, acquiring and upgrading computers, personal computing devices, hardware, software Estimated Levy and telecommunication systems, providing related Rate/$1,000 student and staff training and support to implement such technology improvements, and making Collection Year Assessed Value Levy Amount other instructional technology improvements and 2027 $0.50 $8,500,000 upgrades. Further information is available on the 2028 $0.56 $10,200,000 District’s website at www.ksd.org. 2029
$0.60
$11,400,000
2030
$0.61
$12,000,000
all as provided in Resolution No. 3, 2025-2026. Should this proposition be approved? LEVY YES
The proposed four-year replacement capital levy would authorize collection of $8,500,000 in 2027, $10,200,000 in 2028, $11,400,000 in 2029, and $12,000,000 in 2030. The levy rates per $1,000 of assessed value required to produce these amounts are estimated to be $0.50 in 2027, $0.56 in 2028, $0.60 in 2029, and $0.61 in 2030. Exemptions from taxes may be available, call the Benton County Assessor 509.786.2046.
LEVY NO The Official Ballot Title was written by Board of Directors of Kennewick School District No. 17 as required by law. The Benton County Auditor is not responsible for the content of arguments or statements.
Pro Committee & Contact Information Kennewick Citizens’ Levy & Bond Committee Patrick Mastaler Mary Lynn Merriman Jan Fraley Committee Contact: 509-308-4286 patmastaler@gmail.com
Con Committee & Contact Information Dominick Ramos-Romero Committee Contact: 509-987-4921 drdominickramos@gmail.com
Kennewick School District No. 17 | Proposition No. 2
Pro Committee Statement
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Con Committee Statement
Safe schools. Supported students. Future-ready learning.
I support the programs funded through Kennewick School District’s levy and appreciate the strong value KSD provides to taxpayers. Kennewick also maintains The Kennewick School District’s mission is clear: to the lowest taxes among the three local districts, and provide a safe environment in which every student has the highest OSPI Financial Health Indicator Score reaches his or her highest potential and graduates well at a 3.7 out of 4. I appreciate KDS using levy funds prepared for success in post-secondary responsibly for priorities like the school safety officer education, work, and life. A Yes vote on the Safety, program. Security & Information Technology Levy directly supports that mission for the next four years. With that said, taxes, especially from Olympia, are steep and in general I’m opposed to most taxes. While This levy is not a new tax. It replaces an existing I believe the district is working hard to keep taxes low, voter-approved levy expiring in 2026. It maintains the information technology already in place and adds new and spread our tax dollars wisely, I am still hesitantly voting NO on this levy. safety and security upgrades and enhancements that strengthen protection for students and staff. Every student benefits. This levy impacts all schools and more than 19,100 students. It provides new safety and security upgrades and enhancements, including improvements to building security, campus safety systems, and expanded cybersecurity protections—helping ensure schools remain safe, welcoming places where students can focus on learning and growth. Information technology that supports learning. Technology is essential to preparing students for college, careers, and life. This levy maintains and strengthens critical information technology services, including Cybersecurity and online safety to protect students and district systems, Classroom instruction technology that supports high-quality teaching and learning, Network infrastructure improvements for reliable, secure connectivity, and maintaining and replacing aging technology to ensure consistent student access. A Yes vote protects what we have, strengthens what’s next. Vote Yes on the Safety, Security & Information Technology Levy to sustain strong programs, enhance safety, and support student success while maintaining a steady overall local tax rate.
Pro Committee Rebuttal Statement
Con Committee Rebuttal Statement
No Statement Submitted As community members, we know how valuable good schools are for not only students and families, but for our entire community. Kennewick School District does have a strong record using our tax dollars wisely. These two levies are specifically designed to keep our tax levels steady. We encourage voters to support our local schools, bring LEA funds back to our community, and help create a strong community. Please vote Yes.
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Grandview School District No. 200 | Proposition No. 1
Local Ballot Measure
Explanatory Statement
PROPOSITION NO. 1 GRANDVIEW SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 200 RENEWAL OF EXPIRING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND OPERATIONS LEVY
PROPOSITION NO. 1 – RENEWAL OF EXPIRING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND OPERATIONS LEVY
Passage of Proposition No. 1 would help Grandview School District fund educational programs and operations expenses not funded by the State, including, but not limited to, teachers, The Board of Directors of Grandview School District classroom support staff, instructional materials, No. 200 adopted Resolution No. 4, concerning advanced learning, nurses, safety/security, music, educational funding. This proposition would fund arts, athletics, technology, cybersecurity, and operation expenses not fully funded by the state, transportation. Further information available: including teachers, support staff, instructional materials, www.gsd200.org. The proposed levy will renew the advanced learning, nurses, safety/security, music, arts, current levy that expires at the end of 2026. athletics, technology, transportation, and authorize the District to levy the following excess taxes, renewing an The proposed levy would authorize collection of up to $3,300,000 in 2027, $3,700,000 in 2028, expiring levy, on all taxable property within the District: $4,200,000 in 2029, and $4,800,000 in 2030. The rate per $1,000 of assessed value required to produce these amounts is estimated to be $1.65 Collection Year Estimated Levy Levy Amount in 2027, $1.67 in 2028, $1.69 in 2029, and $1.71 Rate/$1,000 in 2030. The exact levy rates and amounts to be Assessed Value collected may be adjusted based upon the assessed 2027 $1.65 $3,300,000 value of the taxable property within the District and the limitations imposed by State law at the time of 2028 $1.67 $3,700,000 levy. 2029 $1.69 $4,200,000 2030
$1.71
$4,800,000
all as provided in Resolution No. 4. Should this proposition be approved? LEVY YES LEVY NO
The Official Ballot Title was written by Grandview School District No. 200 as required by law. The Benton County Auditor is not responsible for the content of arguments or statements.
Pro Committee & Contact Information
Con Committee & Contact Information
Pro Levy Committee
Con Levy Committee
Shelby Hall
After repeated recruitment attempts, no volunteers in the district came forward to write a statement against the ballot measure.
Committee Contact: 509-727-1406
Grandview School District No. 200 | Proposition No. 1
Pro Committee Statement
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Con Committee Statement
I strongly support the renewal of the Grandview School After repeated recruitment attempts, no volunteers in District levy. This levy is essential to maintaining quality the district came forward to write a statement against education for our students by funding athletics, the ballot measure. enhancing school security, and sustaining valuable academic and extracurricular programs. These resources help keep students safe, engaged, and prepared for future success. Renewing the levy protects opportunities that benefit not only our children, but the entire community. I urge voters to support this important investment in Grandview’s schools and our shared future.
Pro Committee Rebuttal Statement
Con Committee Rebuttal Statement
No Statement Submitted
After repeated recruitment attempts, no volunteers in the district came forward to write a statement against the ballot measure.
Richland School District No. 400 | Proposition No. 1
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Local Ballot Measure
Explanatory Statement
PROPOSITION NO. 1 RICHLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 400 REPLACEMENT OF EXPIRING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND OPERATION LEVY
PROPOSITION NO. 1 – REPLACEMENT OF EXPIRING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND OPERATION LEVY
The Board of Directors of Richland School District No. 400 adopted Resolution No. 994, concerning a proposition to finance educational programs and operation expenses. This proposition would authorize the District to levy the following excess taxes, replacing an expiring levy, on all taxable property within the District, for educational programs and operation expenses not funded by the State: Collection Year
Estimated Levy Rate/$1,000 Assessed Value
Levy Amount
2027
$2.50
$43,818,000
2028
$2.50
$48,200,000
2029
$2.50
$53,020,000
2030
$2.50
$58,322,000
all as provided in Resolution No. 994 and subject to legal limits on levy rates and amounts at the time of levy. Should this proposition be approved? LEVY YES LEVY NO
Passage of Proposition No. 1 would allow Richland School District to replace an existing educational programs and operation levy that will expire at the end of calendar year 2026. The replacement levy will pay for expenses of educational programs and operation that are not fully funded by the State of Washington, including funding gaps caused by the State’s special education funding system. These expenses include, but are not limited to: smaller class sizes; teaching and support staff; school safety; instructional materials; student activities; athletics; building maintenance and operations; and other educational programs and operation expenses. The replacement levy, together with state levy equalization money that is contingent on levy passage, will provide approximately 15.2% of the District’s General Fund budget. Further information is available on the District’s website at www.rsd.edu. The proposed four-year replacement educational programs and operation levy would authorize collection of taxes to provide up to $43,818,000 in 2027, $48,200,000 in 2028, $53,020,000 in 2029, and $58,322,000 in 2030. The levy rate required to produce these amounts is estimated to be $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed value. The exact levy rates and amounts to be collected may be adjusted based upon the limitations imposed by State law at the time of the levy. Exemptions from taxes may be available to certain homeowners. To determine if you qualify, call the Benton County Assessor at 509.786.2046.
The Official Ballot Title was written by Richland School District No. 400 as required by law. The Benton County Auditor is not responsible for the content of arguments or statements.
Pro Committee & Contact Information
Con Committee & Contact Information
Pro Levy Committee
Con Levy Committee
Richland Citizens for Good Schools 2026 Danica Garcia Carrie Hallquist Chad Mitchell
Audra Byrd
Committee Contact: 509-593-3079 yes4rsd.com; yes4rsd@gmail.com
Committee Contact: audra_byrd@yahoo.com
Richland School District No. 400 | Proposition No. 1
Pro Committee Statement
Con Committee Statement
Vote YES on Richland’s Educational Program & Operations (EP&O) Levy
Vote no for RSD levies!
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Vote no more taxes! A community’s values are reflected in its schools, in the classrooms, on the fields, and in the music rooms. Richland School District has been irresponsible with What message do we send if we allow the funding that managing our tax payer funds. Last Spring, the District supports those things to end? layed off para and nurses who work daily with students and hired another district administrator amidst all of This February, we must renew the Richland School those lay offs. How is that an ethical use of our tax District’s EP&O levy. This is not a new tax. It is a payer money? continuation of what voters approved in 2022. The state continues to underfund basic education for students Because our property assessments have and levy dollars close the gap. Otherwise, students will skyrocketed, this levy would result in us paying more lose vital programs: no sports teams; no music, taxes than last year! Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco drama, or field trips; no clubs or enrichment school districts are all asking for levies this year, but opportunities; larger class sizes and fewer trusted staff. you know which district is asking for the most money, While some families can afford private lessons or club even when they have the smallest enrollment? sports, many cannot. Further, state funding covers only Richland. 50% of funding for Special Education services. Public education should offer opportunities to all our students. Richland has historically been arrogant with their levy and bond requests. Our administrators are some of The EP&O levy funds paraeducators, nurses, the highest paid in our area, Richland is asking for the counselors, learning materials, athletics, arts, advanced highest levy percentage out of the whole Tricities, and courses, and safe, clean facilities. The EP&O Levy they have a history of wasting money and mismanaging helps close the roughly $5 million shortfall in state our budget. funding for special education services. Please vote no and hold our district fiscally Voting YES also unlocks millions in state assistance. accountable by asking RSD to demonstrate Altogether, it provides 14% of the district’s budget. living within a budget, focusing more on improving Without it, Richland will lose over $30 million annually student academic outcomes, staffing less district and more than 300 staff positions. Join me and vote administrators, and presenting lower levy requests to YES to continue to invest in our students and our community that is already paying too high taxes. community. Audra Byrd, Parent of 4 RSD students, Former School J. Chad Mitchell, parent of six RSD students; spouse of Board Director, and Tax Payer RSD Board Member Bonnie Mitchell. Carrie Hallquist, parent of RSD graduates; former band parent.
Pro Committee Rebuttal Statement
Con Committee Rebuttal Statement
This community values its future by investing in kids and As an RSD parent and former teacher, I am an advocate funding schools. The con statement neglects facts: this for responsible public education. Sadly, RSD has levy renews 2022 voter approved funding; and, RSD misplaced priorities. The state reports only 39.7% of receives less state and federal funds than neighboring RSD students show consistent grade-level knowledge districts. Past financial challenges are being addressed by in science, which has gotten worse under the current the current board. Losing $30M in levy funding plus $15M administration. Meanwhile, administrator pay continues in state match will destroy public education. This isn’t to increase, and so do our taxes. Vote No. There is about politics, it’s about kids. Vote YES for strong schools time before the levies expire for RSD to propose more for RSD’s students. responsible levies to voters, without impacting students.
Richland School District No. 400 | Proposition No. 2
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Explanatory Statement
Local Ballot Measure
PROPOSITION NO. 2 – REPLACEMENT OF PROPOSITION NO. 2 EXPIRING INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY RICHLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 400 IMPROVEMENTS LEVY REPLACEMENT OF EXPIRING INSTRUCTIONAL Passage of Proposition No. 2 would allow Richland TECHNOLOGY IMPROVEMENTS LEVY The Board of Directors of Richland School District No. 400 adopted Resolution No. 995, concerning a proposition to finance instructional technology improvements. This proposition would authorize the District to levy the following excess taxes, replacing an expiring levy, on all taxable property within the District to pay costs to acquire, install, implement and modernize instructional technology equipment, infrastructure, systems and facilities, all to improve student learning: Collection Year
Estimated Levy Rate/$1,000 Assessed Value
Levy Amount
2027
$0.50
$8,764,000
2028
$0.50
$9,640,000
2029
$0.50
$10,604,000
2030
$0.50
$11,664,000
School District to replace an existing capital levy for instructional technology improvements that will expire at the end of calendar year 2026. The replacement levy will be used to acquire, install, implement and modernize instructional technology equipment, infrastructure, systems and facilities, and make other improvements and upgrades to the District’s instructional technology systems and facilities, all to improve student learning. Further information is available on the District’s website at www.rsd.edu.
The proposed four-year replacement capital levy for instructional technology improvements would authorize collection of taxes to provide $8,764,000 in 2027, $9,640,000 in 2028, $10,604,000 in 2029, and $11,664,000 in 2030. The levy rate required to produce these amounts is estimated to be $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed value. Exemptions from taxes may be available to certain homeowners. To determine if you qualify, call the Benton County Assessor at 509.786.2046.
all as provided in Resolution No. 995. Should this proposition be approved?
LEVY YES LEVY NO
The Official Ballot Title was written by Richland School District No. 400 as required by law. The Benton County Auditor is not responsible for the content of arguments or statements.
Pro Committee & Contact Information
Con Committee & Contact Information
Pro Levy Committee
Con Levy Committee
Richland Citizens for Good Schools 2026 Danica Garcia Carrie Hallquist Chad Mitchell
Audra Byrd
Committee Contact: 509-593-3079 yes4rsd.com; yes4rsd@gmail.com
Committee Contact: audra_byrd@yahoo.com
Richland School District No. 400 | Proposition No. 2
Pro Committee Statement
Con Committee Statement
Replacement Of Expiring Instructional Technology Improvements Levy
Vote no for RSD levies!
The technology levy provides the Richland School District budget crucial funding for technology and technology infrastructure. The current technology levy expires in 2026. Without renewing the levy, RSD’s Capital Projects fund will lack sufficient funds to maintain and upgrade district technology. RSD’s technology levy dollars equips our students and schools with the necessary technology for modern learning. This funding supports the 1:1 Technology Initiative (one digital device per student in Grades 2-12); staff training and professional development; replacement and addition of student and staff devices; enhanced IT support; more robust data-breach protection; and improved technology infrastructure. Without these levy dollars, students, teachers, and families lose vital technology access. Teachers and students lose access to essential digital curriculum and tools. Teachers lose technology for innovative, interactive instruction. Families lose visibility into student learning through elimination of grade monitoring tools. Classrooms lose updated technology and tools that make learning accessible to all students, including those with special needs.
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Vote no more taxes! Richland School District has been irresponsible with managing our tax payer funds. Last Spring, the District layed off para and nurses who work daily with students and hired another district administrator amidst all of those lay offs. How is that an ethical use of our tax payer money? Because our property assessments have skyrocketed, this levy would result in us paying more taxes than last year! Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco school districts are all asking for levies this year, but you know which district is asking for the most money, even when they have the smallest enrollment? Richland. Richland has historically been arrogant with their levy and bond requests. Our administrators are some of the highest paid in our area, Richland is asking for the highest levy percentage out of the whole Tricities, and they have a history of wasting money and mismanaging our budget.
The levy is a replacement for the current expiring levy and is the same rate as the current levy ($.50/$1000 of assessed property value). This is not a new tax. Students need our support more than ever. Vote yes to provide 21st century technology to students and staff.
Please vote no and hold our district fiscally accountable by asking RSD to demonstrate living within a budget, focusing more on improving student academic outcomes, staffing less district administrators, and presenting lower levy requests to our community that is already paying too high taxes.
Danica Garcia, parent of two RSD students, volunteer, educator.
Audra Byrd, Parent of 4 RSD students, Former School Board Director, and Tax Payer
J. Chad Mitchell, parent of six RSD students; spouse of RSD Board Member Bonnie Mitchell; Board President, Boys & Girls Club of Benton & Franklin Counties; Varsity Boys Lacrosse Coach.
Pro Committee Rebuttal Statement
Con Committee Rebuttal Statement
Student success requires access to education’s best practices which require technology and infrastructure. This con statement ignores the dire impact on kids by failing levies and the importance technology access has in today’s classrooms. This levy renews funding at the same rate voters approved in 2022. It provides students, teachers, and schools with funds for teaching and learning, and the infrastructure to keep them safe online. Vote YES for strong schools for RSD’s students.
As an RSD parent and former teacher, I am an advocate for responsible public education. Sadly, RSD has misplaced priorities. The state reports only 39.7% of RSD students show consistent grade-level knowledge in science, which has gotten worse under the current administration. Meanwhile, administrator pay continues to increase, and so do our taxes. Vote No. There is time before the levies expire for RSD to propose more responsible levies to voters, without impacting students.
We Have Moved & Your Signature Matters
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YOUR
MATTERS
Sometimes signatures change. If that's the case, don't worry! We will send you a form to update your signature. If we have a phone number on file for you, we will also call you to remind you to return your form.
Need a Need a reminder? reminder? Take a look at your Driver's License. Many people register to vote when
they apply/renew their Driver's License, so that is the signature we would have on file for you. Benton County Elections Division employees are trained in signature verification. They compare envelope to the signature we have on file for you. To om mpare your signature on the return ret check hec the status of your ballot go to www.VoteWA.gov
TRACK YOUR BALLOT
visit www.VoteWa.gov
Tracking your ballot is easier than ever! Sign up for text notifications when you register or update your info.
WE HAVE MOVED The Benton County Elections Division has moved to a new location! We are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. On election days, we are open from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM.
New Address: 7122 W Okanogan Pl. Bldg. F, Kennewick, WA
Voting in Benton County
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BALLOT RECEIVING
BALLOT ENVELOPE SCANNING (FIRST PASS)
Staff receive ballots from the U.S. post office and ballot drop box collection teams.
Staff scan ballot envelopes, capturing the unique ballot envelope ID and an image of the signature.
BALLOT ENVELOPE SCANNING (SECOND PASS) Staff scan ballot envelopes again, sorting ballots with accepted signatures into batches of ballots to be opened.
BALLOT SCANNER Staff scan batches of ballots into the secure, certified vote counting system. This system is never connected to internal or external networks.
SI SIGNATURE VERIFICATION VE St Staff compare voters’ sig signatures on ballot en envelopes to the signatures in their voter registration re records to make sure they m match.
REVIEWING SCANNED BALLOTS Staff work in teams of two to review and address scanned ballot images with voter corrections, damage, or unclear voter marks, ensuring accurate counting by the vote counting systems.
RESULTS AUDITING
RESULTS TABULATION
Staff conduct audits after Election day to confirm the accuracy of the ballot counting equipment and election results, prior to certification.
Two staff members tabulate initial election results no sooner than 8 p.m. on Election Night and regularly prepare updated results until the election is certified 10 to 21 days after Election Day.
SECURE BALLOT STORAGE Staff store ballots and detailed records from the election in secure containers and storage rooms in accordance with state and federal retention periods.
Benton County Auditor Elections Division PO Box 1000 Richland, WA 99352
NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID SPOKANE, WA PERMIT NO. 91
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