Superintendent's Corner

Dear Community:

First of all, thank you so much for your continued support with the passage of our Maintenance and Operations levy. It means so much to our staff, students and our programs. Now that we have been in the new facility for a while, we are getting a better idea of just what it costs to operate. The levy insures that we can continue to pay the bills.

With that being said, I met with our new assessor to discuss the protested taxes that the wind industry has put into place. She informed me that the protested taxes being held in escrow is not 50 million dollars but, closer to 60 million dollars. The assessor and the prosecuting attorney are scheduled to go to court sometime in April. Now that we are heading towards the end of the bond payment schedule (only four more payments left), the payment will increase significantly. This is why it is so important the county be successful in its pursuit of these dollars. The dollars in escrow would definitely help offset the tax level of the remainder of the bond payments. The upside of all of this is that most of our debt has been paid by the wind turbine industry taxes and also for us the local tax payers the bond is only ten years. Once the bond is paid, we all will see a dramatic lowering of our taxes. Again, without you this could not have happened. Thank You!!

Our boys and girls basketball teams have both made it to the next level; district tournament. If you get a chance, take a trip to Goldendale and watch the Pirates compete. They are very motivated to be a force to reckon with. Good Luck Pirates and Lady Pirates. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Ashley Magana and Katrina Cardenas on their participation in the poetry competition held in Yakima last Saturday. They represented our community and school very well. Thank you Mrs. Navarre for making this happen. These are the things that make lasting memories.

I can’t believe how fast the year has gone by. It will soon be spring and graduation before we know it. If you have any questions, please give me a call or stop by. I look forward to visiting with you.

Sincerely,

Ric Palmer, Supt.

Bickleton Schools