BEND, OR -- Voters in the Bend – La Pine School district will decide in May on a new five-year operating Levy.

The board Tuesday night unanimously approved asking voters for an additional $1 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

Superintendent Dr. Steve Cook told the board the money will chiefly benefit Career and Technical Education programs, “…Not just adding new pathways but ensuring that our existing pathways are meeting the needs of our students and also meeting the needs of our community's employers for providing high impact jobs, high wage positions for our graduates. Oftentimes even before they graduate.”

Cook and the board cited a community survey showing interest in doing more for CTE, as well as maintaining existing class sizes, and hiring and retaining teachers.

School Board member Marcus LeGrand called putting the levy up for vote an investment in the community, “If we don't, then what happens is we lose great teachers for not having the resources to do so. So ultimately, what you're saying is, ‘hey, we are asking continue to support and to make sure that we continue to do the things we need to do for our students and their families.’ Bottom line I think, is what it boils down to.”

“This is pretty monumental. It's been 20 years since this community has tried to do something like this and I'm just really excited about the work ahead,” said Board Chair Melissa Barnes Dholakia after the 6-0 vote, “What I really see in this potential local option levy opportunity is to really create a system that is great for kids, is great for families and is really great for our community.”

If approved by voters, the district estimates the tax levy would bring in between $21-million and $23-million a year over the next five years.