Started by Rally for the Rec
Oct 30, 2025
Oct 30, 2025
3
Clarifying the Facts About the Lopez Rec Levy
Oct 30, 2025
Recently, a community member shared some information in a public forum that wasn’t entirely accurate. We want to take a moment to clarify a few key points - because everyone deserves clear, factual information before casting their vote.
First and foremost, we can agree that our children and our school are essential to this community. With that in mind, it’s important to understand that the proposed Parks and Recreation District does not divert money or resources from education or other priorities. These are completely separate funding streams. The Rec District would create its own dedicated source of support - one that actually strengthens our school by funding youth sports, after-school care, and family programs that help working parents stay on Lopez.
That’s why it’s difficult to understand the claim of “lack of transparency.” Our committee has spent months holding public meetings, posting updates, answering questions online, and having one-on-one conversations with dozens of community members and organizations. We’ve been transparent from day one - but in the spirit of clarity, let’s review the facts so everyone has the same information.
We recognize that taxes have risen in recent years - we feel that too. But those increases are primarily due to rising property values, not new local levies. Far from being “hastily conceived,” this proposal has been years in the making, developed by Lopez residents who saw the urgent need for sustainable funding for school sports and out-of-school programming. The proposed levy was based on a careful analysis of actual operating needs, benchmarked against neighboring island districts and similar-sized programs across Washington State. It’s designed to ensure stable, long-term funding so essential programs don’t collapse every few years due to shortfalls or volunteer burnout.
In short, this is a responsible, community-controlled investment that keeps Lopez tax dollars supporting Lopez programs. It’s easy to raise concerns, but much harder to offer real solutions - and this is the only realistic, sustainable, 100% local alternative on the table.
Fiscal responsibility:
This initiative is built on accountability. The returned LIFRC donation was handled voluntarily and transparently, in full accordance with the law. We’ve been in constant communication with the PDC, which has confirmed that our committee is meeting - and exceeding - its legal obligations as a political action committee. Both organizations have addressed this issue publicly; continuing to misrepresent it is unfair.
To clarify, the committee itself is a citizen-led effort to get the measure on the ballot. A Parks and Recreation District, if approved, would be a public entity with elected commissioners, subject to Washington State audit, public disclosure, and open meetings laws.
The “school costs” comparison:
The representation of the school budget and the Rec levy is misleading. The proposed levy would create a modest, community-wide fund to support school sports, after-school programs, and recreation for all ages - programs that lighten the school’s load, not increase it. By providing consistent funding for activities the school can no longer afford to manage alone (due to inadequate state and federal funding), Lopez Rec would free up roughly $180,000 from the school budget. That helps protect educational resources, not compete with them.
If you’re concerned about why the school is running a deficit, the real issue isn’t "cost per student" - it’s funding inequity.
In 2017, Washington State restructured its education funding model, dramatically reducing the share of local dollars that stay in communities like ours. Back then, about 19% of local taxes supported local schools. By 2025, that share dropped to 12.77%, while the state’s take increased to 39.12%.
At the same time, county property values have more than doubled. Lopez taxpayers now send more than twice as much money to the state - from $13.6 million in 2017 to $33.9 million in 2025 - while being significantly limited in our ability to support our local schools with local dollars.
That’s not a local budgeting issue; it’s a state policy problem. If there’s blame to be placed, it belongs in Olympia.
Forming a Lopez Rec District is one of the few ways we can reclaim a measure of local control - ensuring our tax dollars directly support Lopez youth, families, and community health.
And to reiterate: the Rec levy and school budget are completely separate. One does not compete with the other. The Rec District simply ensures that recreation access and youth programming continue outside the classroom.
Community priorities:
We agree that public resources are finite and must be spent wisely. That’s exactly why the Rec District proposal focuses on sustaining and coordinating existing programs - not building new infrastructure or duplicating services.
This is about making sure our kids, families, and elders continue to have access to the programs that keep us connected - sports, camps, recreation, and community well-being.
In short, this measure doesn’t take away from our community’s priorities; it reinforces them.
Voting YES invests in a stable foundation for youth and families, complements our schools, supports existing organizations, and strengthens Lopez as a whole. This levy doesn’t compete with education or healthcare - it enhances them by supporting the very things that make living here sustainable: child well-being, family stability, all-ages activities, and community connection.
It’s about maintaining what makes Lopez strong.
This is a vote for Lopez youth and yes, we are asking for your generosity.
We hope voters will look at the facts - not fear - and see this measure for what it truly is: a chance to invest in our community’s stability, health, joy, and future - together.
First and foremost, we can agree that our children and our school are essential to this community. With that in mind, it’s important to understand that the proposed Parks and Recreation District does not divert money or resources from education or other priorities. These are completely separate funding streams. The Rec District would create its own dedicated source of support - one that actually strengthens our school by funding youth sports, after-school care, and family programs that help working parents stay on Lopez.
That’s why it’s difficult to understand the claim of “lack of transparency.” Our committee has spent months holding public meetings, posting updates, answering questions online, and having one-on-one conversations with dozens of community members and organizations. We’ve been transparent from day one - but in the spirit of clarity, let’s review the facts so everyone has the same information.
We recognize that taxes have risen in recent years - we feel that too. But those increases are primarily due to rising property values, not new local levies. Far from being “hastily conceived,” this proposal has been years in the making, developed by Lopez residents who saw the urgent need for sustainable funding for school sports and out-of-school programming. The proposed levy was based on a careful analysis of actual operating needs, benchmarked against neighboring island districts and similar-sized programs across Washington State. It’s designed to ensure stable, long-term funding so essential programs don’t collapse every few years due to shortfalls or volunteer burnout.
In short, this is a responsible, community-controlled investment that keeps Lopez tax dollars supporting Lopez programs. It’s easy to raise concerns, but much harder to offer real solutions - and this is the only realistic, sustainable, 100% local alternative on the table.
Fiscal responsibility:
This initiative is built on accountability. The returned LIFRC donation was handled voluntarily and transparently, in full accordance with the law. We’ve been in constant communication with the PDC, which has confirmed that our committee is meeting - and exceeding - its legal obligations as a political action committee. Both organizations have addressed this issue publicly; continuing to misrepresent it is unfair.
To clarify, the committee itself is a citizen-led effort to get the measure on the ballot. A Parks and Recreation District, if approved, would be a public entity with elected commissioners, subject to Washington State audit, public disclosure, and open meetings laws.
The “school costs” comparison:
The representation of the school budget and the Rec levy is misleading. The proposed levy would create a modest, community-wide fund to support school sports, after-school programs, and recreation for all ages - programs that lighten the school’s load, not increase it. By providing consistent funding for activities the school can no longer afford to manage alone (due to inadequate state and federal funding), Lopez Rec would free up roughly $180,000 from the school budget. That helps protect educational resources, not compete with them.
If you’re concerned about why the school is running a deficit, the real issue isn’t "cost per student" - it’s funding inequity.
In 2017, Washington State restructured its education funding model, dramatically reducing the share of local dollars that stay in communities like ours. Back then, about 19% of local taxes supported local schools. By 2025, that share dropped to 12.77%, while the state’s take increased to 39.12%.
At the same time, county property values have more than doubled. Lopez taxpayers now send more than twice as much money to the state - from $13.6 million in 2017 to $33.9 million in 2025 - while being significantly limited in our ability to support our local schools with local dollars.
That’s not a local budgeting issue; it’s a state policy problem. If there’s blame to be placed, it belongs in Olympia.
Forming a Lopez Rec District is one of the few ways we can reclaim a measure of local control - ensuring our tax dollars directly support Lopez youth, families, and community health.
And to reiterate: the Rec levy and school budget are completely separate. One does not compete with the other. The Rec District simply ensures that recreation access and youth programming continue outside the classroom.
Community priorities:
We agree that public resources are finite and must be spent wisely. That’s exactly why the Rec District proposal focuses on sustaining and coordinating existing programs - not building new infrastructure or duplicating services.
This is about making sure our kids, families, and elders continue to have access to the programs that keep us connected - sports, camps, recreation, and community well-being.
In short, this measure doesn’t take away from our community’s priorities; it reinforces them.
Voting YES invests in a stable foundation for youth and families, complements our schools, supports existing organizations, and strengthens Lopez as a whole. This levy doesn’t compete with education or healthcare - it enhances them by supporting the very things that make living here sustainable: child well-being, family stability, all-ages activities, and community connection.
It’s about maintaining what makes Lopez strong.
This is a vote for Lopez youth and yes, we are asking for your generosity.
We hope voters will look at the facts - not fear - and see this measure for what it truly is: a chance to invest in our community’s stability, health, joy, and future - together.
Comment by Dan Post
Nov 2, 2025
Nov 2, 2025
3
Comment by Dan Post
Nov 2, 2025
Nov 2, 2025
0
Sorry, those web sites links did not work.
Comment by Dan Post
Nov 2, 2025
Nov 2, 2025
1
Hi Curt,
Here is some lite reading if you want to know why the school is in trouble: https://cdnsm5ss19.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_176833/File/District%20Info/Board/2025-26/2025_26_LISD_F195_Final.pdf
Also, in the name of transparency here is a lin ... Read All
Here is some lite reading if you want to know why the school is in trouble: https://cdnsm5ss19.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_176833/File/District%20Info/Board/2025-26/2025_26_LISD_F195_Final.pdf
Also, in the name of transparency here is a lin ... Read All
Comment by Rally for the Rec
Nov 2, 2025
Nov 2, 2025
1
Curt,
Yes - it is a lot of words, because we’re trying to clearly explain complex local issues, not make sweeping generalizations. When it comes to our school and this ballot measure, the reality is nuanced - and people who are trying to make ... Read All
Yes - it is a lot of words, because we’re trying to clearly explain complex local issues, not make sweeping generalizations. When it comes to our school and this ballot measure, the reality is nuanced - and people who are trying to make ... Read All
Comment by Curt Bonelli
Nov 2, 2025
Nov 2, 2025
5
And so it continues. That’s a lot of words, how about something shorter.
The most efficient school system in the country is Utah. It spends $12,600 per student. We are spending something like $38,000. It gets slightly higher scores in 4th grade math, English, and ap scores. You can whine about ... Read All
The most efficient school system in the country is Utah. It spends $12,600 per student. We are spending something like $38,000. It gets slightly higher scores in 4th grade math, English, and ap scores. You can whine about ... Read All