The Arlington Public Schools Board of Directors approved at its Oct. 28 meeting running an Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy, a Capital Levy for safety and security improvements and classroom additions at Arlington High School, and a bond to replace Post Middle School. Community members would vote on the levies and bond during the Feb. 11, 2020 election.

The four-year EP&O Levy is a renewal of the existing four-year EP&O Levy, which expires at the end of 2020. The EP&O Levy pays for staffing, educational programs and operations expenses not funded by the state. These include instructional services and support, facility maintenance, technology, special education and extracurricular activities, and other educational programs and operations expenses.

	Estimated EP&O Levy
	Rate/$1,000
Collection Year	Assessed Value	Levy Amount
2021	$1.70	$8,950,000
2022	$1.70	$9,200,000
2023	$1.70	$9,500,000
2024	$1.70	$9,750,000

The four-year Capital Levy pays for safety, security and building improvements. All schools would receive improved classroom doors locks and other security upgrades. Additional classrooms and a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) workshop would be constructed at Arlington High School. Other improvements include fire sprinklers, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and pedestrian safety at identified schools.

	Estimated Capital Levy
	Rate $1,000
Collection Year	Assessed Value	Levy Amount
2021	$1.15	$6,019,553
2022	$1.14	$6,149,553
2023	$1.13	$6,281,554
2024	$1.15	$6,606,008

The Post Middle School Bond provides for replacement of the deteriorating, existing Post Middle School. The new school would correct the safety and security concerns of the existing Post Middle School. The new school would be earthquake resistant, have interior hallways for security, have larger classrooms to support STEM education, and be protected from fire with a fire sprinkler system. The cost of the bond is $71.5 million.

“The board is charged with providing the best possible education for Arlington students,” said School Board President, Kay Duskin. “This is why the board was unanimous in its decision to send the EP&O Levy, Capital Levy, and Post Middle School Bond to voters. We believe these projects are critical to ensuring students can learn and succeed in a safe and comfortable learning environment.”