Frequently Asked Questions

BONDS ARE FOR BUILDING

Funds from bonds can only be used for construction or renovation of buildings, major repairs and land purchases; they cannot be used for basic education. Bond funds are generally collected over a 15 to 20-year period (similar to a home mortgage).

LEVIES ARE FOR LEARNING

Levies make up the difference between funding from the state and federal government and the actual cost of operating a school district. Levies pay for teaching materials and equipment, bus transportation, building improvements (such as carpet replacements and interior painting) and vocational, athletic, drama, special education and other special programs. Levy funds are typically collected over a four-year time period and must be renewed (similar to a subscription service).

Thanks to our voters, we recently passed a levy in February 2022. Learn more here.

A Citizens Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC) started meeting in the summer of 2021 to identify facilities with the highest needs, as well as review projected growth within our district boundaries. They recommended several projects as identified in the 2023 bond put before voters. While the bond did not pass, the growing needs in our district remain.

Over the spring and summer of 2023, we conducted two community surveys to solicit feedback on our bond proposal. From those surveys, the most important issues from the community perspective included addressing overcrowding, improving safety/health/security, and supporting Career and Technical Education (CTE). Using community input, the board identified three core priorities and is reducing the scope of the previous bond. While these projects do not remedy all of our urgent needs in the system recommended by CFAC, it does put a big dent in the issues respondents want addressed at a more affordable price point. 

This bond is for $119.2 million and will cost an estimated $1.51/$1,000 in assessed valuation. If the 2024 bond passes, the tax rate does not increase until 2025.

The equation for finding the impact on your homes' assessed valuation is home valuation divided by 1,000 x 1.51=yearly cost. Divide that answer by 12 months for the monthly cost. 

Senior citizens, people with disabilities and veterans with disabilities can qualify for a tax exemption. For details, please visit the Pierce County Assessor's website.

No. The 2024 bond replaces the previous bond passed in 2006 that built Orting Middle School and the Orting High School PAC. This bond expired and was paid in full in December 2022, which lowered property taxes in 2023.

School boundaries have been in place for 100 years or more. When they were set long ago, they likely could not foresee the development and growth that would come over time. Most concerns about growth lie in traffic and costs associated with growth. However, there are some benefits. Growth can help to increase the tax base, provide jobs, lower costs and improve local access to resources.  

School Districts cannot cede land to neighboring districts or refuse to accept new development. We do provide input to city and county planners about potential school impacts. Districts can engage in a mutual discussion about boundary changes, but it taxes time and a willingness on both parties to do so.  

In our case, we are working in partnership with local developers to provide land and resources outside of the city of Orting for future development. The anticipated growth will likely double the tax district base by 2030 and help to provide necessary improvements to education facilities.

Permanent capacity is our building space inside schools. Our total capacity as a district includes our buildings and portables. Exceeding permanent capacity creates many challenges, including inadequate restrooms, parking, traffic, health room, cafeteria, and gymnasium space. 

• Orting Elementary School was built for 290 students and is currently 83 percent (240 students) over its designed permanent capacity.
• Orting High School was built for 600 students and is currently 46 percent (274 students) over its designed permanent capacity.
• Ptarmigan Ridge Elementary was built for 460 students and is currently 57 percent (260 students) over its designed permanent capacity.

A new elementary site would mean much more space for pickup and drop off. Currently, we have cars, buses, and students converging at the same crosswalk. After a few cars or a couple of buses, we back up traffic either on campus or the highway. Once Orting Elementary moves to the new location, all of the parking becomes high school parking, which will positively impact local neighborhoods and businesses. Over time, the high school campus will be redesigned to have separate bus and vehicle traffic from pedestrians, dramatically improving safety.

OSD Traffic and Parking Data

Once Orting Elementary moves to the new site, Orting Elementary School will have 65 percent more parking. Orting High School will have 35 percent more parking.

Right now, Orting Elemenaty only has 261 yards for pickup and drop-off space. After the new Orting Elementary is built, we will have 816 yards, which adds 555 yards or over a quarter mile for a pickup and drop-off!

We pride ourselves on taking care of the public’s facilities. We aim to be good stewards of the community's assets. We are the largest employer in Orting and our facilities are used by many of our local community. As our facilities age, there are simply improvements we cannot make based on age and condition. Electrical, HVAC, plumbing and other critical infrastructure cannot keep up with current seismic, safety and code regulations and it is cheaper to replace. Failure of these systems would be catastrophic as it would shut down operations for months. Keep in mind the current age of our present facilities housing staff and students.

• Orting Elementary School opened in 1968 with an addition in 1977
• Ptarmigan Ridge Elementary School opened in 2000
• Orting High School main building and west wing opened in 1986

The superintendent and Board of Directors work with Owners Consultants and architects to monitor the budgeting for this project. For more information, please contact Marci Bannan, Director of Business Services.

Bonds require a 60 percent supermajority approval to pass, which is 60% of the total cast. For a bond to pass, the election must also be validated, meaning voter turnout must be equal to 40% of the voters who cast ballots in the last general election. Levies require a simple majority of 50% to pass.