Levy allows us to succeed

As the Indian Education Director at Grand Coulee Dam School District, I witness every day the incredible impact our schools have on students, families, and the community as a whole. Our schools are more than just classrooms; they are centers for growth, connection, and opportunity. They are where children learn not only math and reading but also the rich cultural heritage and values that make our community unique.

The levy is the backbone of so much of what we do. It supports the programs that set our schools apart—programs that empower our students and strengthen our community. Without these funds, we risk losing essential opportunities like family engagement nights, after-school study halls, extracurricular activities, and cultural programs that help students feel connected to their identities and traditions.

It’s also crucial to remember that Grand Coulee Dam School District is a federally impacted school. Much of the land within our district is federally owned or tax-exempt, including land managed by the Colville Confederated Tribes Reservation (CCT), the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR), and the National Park Service. These federal lands significantly reduce our ability to generate local tax revenue. Federal Impact Aid is intended to offset this shortfall, but it does not fully meet our needs or cover the true costs of operating and maintaining our schools. This makes levy funding even more vital for ensuring that our students have access to the resources and opportunities they deserve.

Here at GCDSD, the levy sustains the infrastructure that allows us to succeed. From keeping our buses running to ensuring our buildings are safe, welcoming, and ready for learning, every dollar of levy funding makes a tangible difference. For instance, levy funds help support critical maintenance and operations needs that state and federal funding alone cannot cover. Without these funds, we would face cuts that could affect the quality of education and the programs that define our schools.

Our levy dollars also directly support student-athletes, ensuring they have the resources to compete and thrive. They enable us to keep our doors open for youth sports, culture nights, and community events—making the school a true hub of connection and collaboration. Imagine the loss of these programs, which not only enhance student success but also foster pride and unity in our community.

This levy is more than just a funding request—it’s an investment in the future of our children and our community. By supporting it, we’re ensuring that our schools remain a place of opportunity and enrichment, where students can thrive academically, culturally, and personally.

As a community, we are approaching an important special election on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, the outcome of which will clearly impact the quality of education received by our school-aged children. This election will require a decision by voters on whether our community will continue to financially support the Grand Coulee Dam school system by approving a replacement school levy, or not.

I urge you to consider the essential role our schools play and the importance of the levy in maintaining their success. Let’s come together to support our students, our schools, and our community. Together, we can ensure that Grand Coulee Dam School District continues to be a place where every student has the chance to shine.

Thank you for your unwavering support of our schools and students.

Respectfully,

Ashley Atkins

Indian Education Director

Grand Coulee Dam

School District