THANK YOU, TACOMA VOTERS! February 12, 2014 Two replacement levies each get approximately 64% YES vote in early count, on way to approval
We want to thank all Tacoma voters for their support and commitment to our students and our schools. Tuesday night's election results show both of our school district ballot measures won enough YES votes to pass.
Of the 21,585 ballots cast and counted on election night, approval of the two replacement levies showed:
"Thank you for renewing your commitment to our students," said Superintendent Carla Santorno when asked if she had a message for voters.
"All across this city I have seen more and more people and organizations embracing our graduation and academic goals. We just reported to the School Board that our graduation rate has gone up for the third year in a row," Santorno said. "And the ongoing success of our students depends on a focused partnership between the community, our parents and our hardworking teachers and staff. I hope the overwhelming support we've seen on our ballot issues indicates the community's confidence in the progress we're making."
More ballots will come in over the next few days. Elections results will be updated daily by Pierce County Elections and be certified at final on Feb 25.
To learn more and view current election results, visit Pierce County Elections.
Of the 21,585 ballots cast and counted on election night, approval of the two replacement levies showed:
- Prop 1 - Educational Programs and Operations Levy
64.1% approved - Prop 2 - School Technology Improvement and Upgrades Levy
63.93% approved
"Thank you for renewing your commitment to our students," said Superintendent Carla Santorno when asked if she had a message for voters.
"All across this city I have seen more and more people and organizations embracing our graduation and academic goals. We just reported to the School Board that our graduation rate has gone up for the third year in a row," Santorno said. "And the ongoing success of our students depends on a focused partnership between the community, our parents and our hardworking teachers and staff. I hope the overwhelming support we've seen on our ballot issues indicates the community's confidence in the progress we're making."
More ballots will come in over the next few days. Elections results will be updated daily by Pierce County Elections and be certified at final on Feb 25.
To learn more and view current election results, visit Pierce County Elections.
Message from Tacoma Council PTA
Nearly One Quarter of Our School Budget is At Risk
In just a few weeks, Tacoma voters will decide the fate of 2 critical levy renewals. These funds mean everything to your neighborhood school: teacher's aides, teacher's salaries, textbooks, curriculum, art and music programs, librarians, nurses and health clerks, science and computer labs.
We need *You* To Help Get the Word Out
Teachers and principals have been busy calling voters, but schools cannot do this alone. Without the help of parents and community members like you we will not be able to reach enough voters to pass these two important ballot measures.
Please Join Us at the Phone Banks
What: Prop 1 & 2 Phone banking
Where: 3049 S. 36th St, 3rd Floor. (Inside the TEA offices at the IBEW Hall, behind Michael's Plaza.)
When: Mon- Thurs, 4-6 and 6-7:30pm until Feb. 11th.
Find a detailed calendar including nights for your school* here:
http://renewourcommitment.org/sites/default/files/Tacoma_Calendar_Final.pdf
Download a volunteer sign up sheet:
http://renewourcommitment.org/sites/default/files/2014_Volunteer_Sign_Up.pdf
*You are welcome to join us any night!
Forward this Email
Spread the word! Forward this email to parents and school supporters in your neighborhood.
Are you coming to the phone banks? Let us know, by calling 253 970 9177, or email [email protected]m
Thank you for supporting great neighborhood schools,
Jennifer Boutell
Field Director
Tacoma Citizens for Schools
253 970 9177
[email protected]
Hope to see you on a Thursday evening or hope to hear that you were able to make a different night.
Thanks,
Kellie BennettTacoma Council PTA President[email protected]253-439-9680
In just a few weeks, Tacoma voters will decide the fate of 2 critical levy renewals. These funds mean everything to your neighborhood school: teacher's aides, teacher's salaries, textbooks, curriculum, art and music programs, librarians, nurses and health clerks, science and computer labs.
We need *You* To Help Get the Word Out
Teachers and principals have been busy calling voters, but schools cannot do this alone. Without the help of parents and community members like you we will not be able to reach enough voters to pass these two important ballot measures.
Please Join Us at the Phone Banks
What: Prop 1 & 2 Phone banking
Where: 3049 S. 36th St, 3rd Floor. (Inside the TEA offices at the IBEW Hall, behind Michael's Plaza.)
When: Mon- Thurs, 4-6 and 6-7:30pm until Feb. 11th.
Find a detailed calendar including nights for your school* here:
http://renewourcommitment.org/sites/default/files/Tacoma_Calendar_Final.pdf
Download a volunteer sign up sheet:
http://renewourcommitment.org/sites/default/files/2014_Volunteer_Sign_Up.pdf
*You are welcome to join us any night!
Forward this Email
Spread the word! Forward this email to parents and school supporters in your neighborhood.
Are you coming to the phone banks? Let us know, by calling 253 970 9177, or email [email protected]m
Thank you for supporting great neighborhood schools,
Jennifer Boutell
Field Director
Tacoma Citizens for Schools
253 970 9177
[email protected]
Hope to see you on a Thursday evening or hope to hear that you were able to make a different night.
Thanks,
Kellie BennettTacoma Council PTA President[email protected]253-439-9680
February 11, 2014 Special Election
Information about Propositions 1 & 2 can be found at : http://www.renewourcommitment.org/
Every child deserves an excellent education and the opportunity to achieve his or her full potential – regardless of background – in every neighborhood across Tacoma.
Renew Our Commitment Yes on Props 1 & 2
Contact Us: Tacoma Citizens for Schools901 Broadway Ave Tacoma, WA 98402 [email protected] or facebook: renew our commitment
Renew Our Commitment Yes on Props 1 & 2
- Replacement Levy – Not a new tax
- 24% of Day-to-day Operations
- Teachers, Small Classes, Books & Basics
- Educational Programs in all Schools
- Up-to-date Tools for Teaching & Learning
- Expand Student Access to Technology
- On-line Monitoring of Student Progress
Contact Us: Tacoma Citizens for Schools901 Broadway Ave Tacoma, WA 98402 [email protected] or facebook: renew our commitment
More information in the Pierce County Local Voters' Pamphlet
http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/28240
FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT:
YOU SET A RECORD WITH UNPRECEDENTED
SUPPORT OF TACOMA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
You blew me away on election night. The 69.6 percent YES vote for Proposition 1 exceeded all our
expectations. No previous school bond issue in the history of Tacoma had received more than 62 percent support.
I spent much of my first few months as superintendent out in the community, listening to parents, neighbors, civic and business leaders and our school employees. And all across this city, I clearly heard:
Your unprecedented support of Proposition 1 validated those truths.
We in Tacoma Public Schools will reward your support with a commitment to transparency in working with the community and all of you.
We will build on our track record of innovation to try new things together -
replicate what's working and admit when things are not achieving the kind of results we want for all students so we can improve.
We will reward your support in our schools, where our dedicated staffs have aligned around the academic achievement of students. We have expanded and will expand early childhood learning. We have committed to all-day kindergarten. Math scores have gone up in nearly all grades.
We just learned that graduation rates are climbing, although they have not yet reached an acceptable level. We will continue to get better.
We also will reward your support by serving as trustworthy stewards of your investment. We will immediately unleash our Planning & Construction Department to begin the neighborhood conversations around each of the first schools slated for reconstruction. We will engage you in what your community school should look like and feel like and how its academic program will drive the design.
We already have completed that process for Washington Elementary School, which will begin its historic reconstruction just after school lets out this summer.
As you know, during an election season, Tacoma Public Schools cannot spend resources to advocate for or against any ballot issue - even our own. We can provide only facts and information. So, it was heartening to see so many people and organizations across this city band together, take up our cause and spread that word for us.
Thank you to the honorary co-chairs of the community campaign - Willie Stewart, Dan Barkley and Kathleen Merryman.
Thank you to the more than 40 organizations that put their names
behind Proposition 1.
Thank you to the hundreds of parent, teacher, principal, student and neighbor-to-neighbor volunteers who helped make this outcome
possible.
Thank you to the contributors who reached deep into their pockets and
gave so that the community could run its own campaign on behalf of our
students.
Thank you to our dozens of elected officials, including Mayor Marilyn
Strickland who spoke for us and State Rep. Laurie Jinkins who made phone calls for us.
Thanks to volunteer members of Peace Community Center, Stand for
Children and Vibrant Schools Tacoma, who devoted countless hours reaching out to the community for support.
School bond issues, because they require a supermajority 60 percent YES vote, are difficult to pass. Here's a little history lesson for you:
More bond issues have failed than have passed in last 30 years.
During the weeks leading up to Tuesday's vote, I heard Kathleen Merryman say she wanted this election to be like the community wrapping its arms around all of our kids and giving them a big hug.
That's exactly what the outcome feels like.
Thank you, Tacoma.
Sincerely,
Carla Santorno
expectations. No previous school bond issue in the history of Tacoma had received more than 62 percent support.
I spent much of my first few months as superintendent out in the community, listening to parents, neighbors, civic and business leaders and our school employees. And all across this city, I clearly heard:
Your unprecedented support of Proposition 1 validated those truths.
We in Tacoma Public Schools will reward your support with a commitment to transparency in working with the community and all of you.
We will build on our track record of innovation to try new things together -
replicate what's working and admit when things are not achieving the kind of results we want for all students so we can improve.
We will reward your support in our schools, where our dedicated staffs have aligned around the academic achievement of students. We have expanded and will expand early childhood learning. We have committed to all-day kindergarten. Math scores have gone up in nearly all grades.
We just learned that graduation rates are climbing, although they have not yet reached an acceptable level. We will continue to get better.
We also will reward your support by serving as trustworthy stewards of your investment. We will immediately unleash our Planning & Construction Department to begin the neighborhood conversations around each of the first schools slated for reconstruction. We will engage you in what your community school should look like and feel like and how its academic program will drive the design.
We already have completed that process for Washington Elementary School, which will begin its historic reconstruction just after school lets out this summer.
As you know, during an election season, Tacoma Public Schools cannot spend resources to advocate for or against any ballot issue - even our own. We can provide only facts and information. So, it was heartening to see so many people and organizations across this city band together, take up our cause and spread that word for us.
Thank you to the honorary co-chairs of the community campaign - Willie Stewart, Dan Barkley and Kathleen Merryman.
Thank you to the more than 40 organizations that put their names
behind Proposition 1.
Thank you to the hundreds of parent, teacher, principal, student and neighbor-to-neighbor volunteers who helped make this outcome
possible.
Thank you to the contributors who reached deep into their pockets and
gave so that the community could run its own campaign on behalf of our
students.
Thank you to our dozens of elected officials, including Mayor Marilyn
Strickland who spoke for us and State Rep. Laurie Jinkins who made phone calls for us.
Thanks to volunteer members of Peace Community Center, Stand for
Children and Vibrant Schools Tacoma, who devoted countless hours reaching out to the community for support.
School bond issues, because they require a supermajority 60 percent YES vote, are difficult to pass. Here's a little history lesson for you:
More bond issues have failed than have passed in last 30 years.
- The failed bond issue in 2006 received just 52.9 percent
support.
- The failed bond issue in 2009 received just 47.6 percent
support.
- The last bond issue to pass, in 2001, received 61 percent
support.
- The previous record for a YES vote in Tacoma was for a small bond issue in 1984 that received 62 percent support.
During the weeks leading up to Tuesday's vote, I heard Kathleen Merryman say she wanted this election to be like the community wrapping its arms around all of our kids and giving them a big hug.
That's exactly what the outcome feels like.
Thank you, Tacoma.
Sincerely,
Carla Santorno
Special thanks to the following organizations, businesses that
supported Proposition 1
PTA, Tacoma Council Board of Directors
League of Women Voters
Boys & Girls Club of South Puget Sound
Safe Streets
Nortac Soccer Club
Metro Parks Tacoma, Board Resolution
Point Defiance Zoological Society
Tacoma Athletic Commission
Foundation for Tacoma Schools
First 5 FUNdamentals, Early Childhood Learning
Parents and Friends for Tacoma Public Schools
Tacoma Education Association
Tacoma Principals Association
Public School Employees, Tacoma Food Service
Pierce County School Retirees Association Board
Stadium Boosters
Lincoln High School PTSA
Ladies First
Fab-5
Tacoma Pierce
County Chamber of Commerce
Tacoma City Council - Resolution in Support
Tacoma NAACP
Ministerial Alliance, Tacoma
Blue Light Coalition, Community & Law Enforcement
Firefighters, Tacoma IAFF Local #31
Building and Construction Trades Council, Pierce County Landmarks
Preservation Commission, City of Tacoma
Pierce County Central Labor Council
Realtors, Tacoma Pierce County
Black Collective, Tacoma Pierce County
Centro Latino
Korean Women's Association
Master Builders,
Pierce County Carpenters Council, Pacific Northwest Region
Fuse Washington
Pierce County Democrats
Pierce County Young Democrats
27th Legislative District Democrats
28th Legislative District Democrats
29th Legislative District Democrats
Urban League, Tacoma
BCE Engineers
Huttebel & Oremus Architecture
McGranahan Architects
Piper Jaffrey & Co.
BCRA Architects
Beresford Company
BLRB
Coughlin Porter & Lundeen
NAC Architecture
PCS Structural Solutions
AHBL
Berschauer Philips Construction
DLR Group
AESI
ATS Automation
Coffman Engineers
Metrix Engineers
League of Women Voters
Boys & Girls Club of South Puget Sound
Safe Streets
Nortac Soccer Club
Metro Parks Tacoma, Board Resolution
Point Defiance Zoological Society
Tacoma Athletic Commission
Foundation for Tacoma Schools
First 5 FUNdamentals, Early Childhood Learning
Parents and Friends for Tacoma Public Schools
Tacoma Education Association
Tacoma Principals Association
Public School Employees, Tacoma Food Service
Pierce County School Retirees Association Board
Stadium Boosters
Lincoln High School PTSA
Ladies First
Fab-5
Tacoma Pierce
County Chamber of Commerce
Tacoma City Council - Resolution in Support
Tacoma NAACP
Ministerial Alliance, Tacoma
Blue Light Coalition, Community & Law Enforcement
Firefighters, Tacoma IAFF Local #31
Building and Construction Trades Council, Pierce County Landmarks
Preservation Commission, City of Tacoma
Pierce County Central Labor Council
Realtors, Tacoma Pierce County
Black Collective, Tacoma Pierce County
Centro Latino
Korean Women's Association
Master Builders,
Pierce County Carpenters Council, Pacific Northwest Region
Fuse Washington
Pierce County Democrats
Pierce County Young Democrats
27th Legislative District Democrats
28th Legislative District Democrats
29th Legislative District Democrats
Urban League, Tacoma
BCE Engineers
Huttebel & Oremus Architecture
McGranahan Architects
Piper Jaffrey & Co.
BCRA Architects
Beresford Company
BLRB
Coughlin Porter & Lundeen
NAC Architecture
PCS Structural Solutions
AHBL
Berschauer Philips Construction
DLR Group
AESI
ATS Automation
Coffman Engineers
Metrix Engineers
http://renewourcommitment.org/
Contact Us:
Tacoma Citizens for Schools
901 Broadway Ave
Tacoma, WA 98402
253 282 4937 [email protected]
Tacoma Citizens for Schools
901 Broadway Ave
Tacoma, WA 98402
253 282 4937 [email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/#!/RenewOurCommitment
The "Vote Yes on Proposition 1 Campaign" is Endorsed by the Tacoma Council PTA Board of Directors
Message from the Campaign Headquarters
Thank you to everyone for your help in Saturday’s kick-off. Terrific TV coverage on Saturday night and Sunday morning. Phone banks begin Mon-Thurs. on January 14th. Volunteers needed this week for data entry. Please have volunteers contact [email protected]
! KING 5 http://www.king5.com/news/Campaign-to-save-Tacomas-decaying-schools-kicked-off-185763212.html
KOMO 4 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Rally-supports-500-million-bond-measure-for-Tacoma-schools-185765812.html
KIRO 7 http://www.kirotv.com/videos/online/community-rallies-to-fix-tacoma-schools/vmdWS/
Weekly http://issuu.com/tacomaweekly/docs/twa_1.04.13_p01?mode=window&viewMode=singlePage
KOMO 4 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Tacoma-schools-asking-voters-to-approve-500-million-bond-measure-175018731.html
Story also ran on KCPQ 13, but no online web link yet.
Also, please see coverage and write personal letters to the editor (150-200 words) for the News Tribune. https://blog.thenewstribune.com/letters/submit/
· Tacoma-wide – Needed Neighborhood School Improvements
· Serious Needs – Replace/Renovation 14 Neighborhood Schools (average age 74 years old)
· Safety, Security and Health Upgrades for Students and Teachers
· Improved environments for student learning and teaching
· It’s time – record-low financing and construction costs
! KING 5 http://www.king5.com/news/Campaign-to-save-Tacomas-decaying-schools-kicked-off-185763212.html
KOMO 4 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Rally-supports-500-million-bond-measure-for-Tacoma-schools-185765812.html
KIRO 7 http://www.kirotv.com/videos/online/community-rallies-to-fix-tacoma-schools/vmdWS/
Weekly http://issuu.com/tacomaweekly/docs/twa_1.04.13_p01?mode=window&viewMode=singlePage
KOMO 4 http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Tacoma-schools-asking-voters-to-approve-500-million-bond-measure-175018731.html
Story also ran on KCPQ 13, but no online web link yet.
Also, please see coverage and write personal letters to the editor (150-200 words) for the News Tribune. https://blog.thenewstribune.com/letters/submit/
· Tacoma-wide – Needed Neighborhood School Improvements
· Serious Needs – Replace/Renovation 14 Neighborhood Schools (average age 74 years old)
· Safety, Security and Health Upgrades for Students and Teachers
· Improved environments for student learning and teaching
· It’s time – record-low financing and construction costs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=begSDkUVeq0&feature=player_embedded
Tacoma Schools Proposition 1 would fund the modernization or replacement of 14 outdated facilities throughout the district.
It would also provide for health and safety upgrades to 40 other school buildings.
Please remember to vote on Tuesday, February 12, 2013.
It would also provide for health and safety upgrades to 40 other school buildings.
Please remember to vote on Tuesday, February 12, 2013.
Campaign Kick Off January 5th
Please join us! HOLD THE DATE!
YES PROP. 1 - School Bond Campaign Kick-off
Neighborhood School Improvements and Safety Upgrades
Join our Honorary Co-Chairs and Supt. Carla Santorno
Bring your friends and family, kids welcome!
FREE Coffee and Snacks - Yard Signs will be available
10:30 a.m. - 12 noon, Saturday, January 5, 2013
Star Center, 3873 S. 66th Street Tacoma, WA
RSVP to 253 282 4937, [email protected], or join our Facebook event.
We need your help - the election is less than 2 months away! Ballots arrive in just over 1 month
Here's how you can help:
Need more information about the bond? Visit our website at http://renewourcommitment.org
Thank you for supporting our schools! Sincerely,
Willie Stewart
Tacoma Citizens for Schools
YES PROP. 1 - School Bond Campaign Kick-off
Neighborhood School Improvements and Safety Upgrades
Join our Honorary Co-Chairs and Supt. Carla Santorno
Bring your friends and family, kids welcome!
FREE Coffee and Snacks - Yard Signs will be available
10:30 a.m. - 12 noon, Saturday, January 5, 2013
Star Center, 3873 S. 66th Street Tacoma, WA
RSVP to 253 282 4937, [email protected], or join our Facebook event.
We need your help - the election is less than 2 months away! Ballots arrive in just over 1 month
Here's how you can help:
- Donate today - http://renewourcommitment.org/donate
- Endorse today - http://renewourcommitment.org/node/add/endorse-us
- Volunteer - http://renewourcommitment.org/node/add/volunteer
- Forward this email! Share with your family, friends, and co-workers.
Need more information about the bond? Visit our website at http://renewourcommitment.org
Thank you for supporting our schools! Sincerely,
Willie Stewart
Tacoma Citizens for Schools