Cascade School District Saves Taxpayers $1.5 Million in Bond Refinancing
Leavenworth – On February 4, 2025, Cascade School District No. 228 successfully refinanced its 2015 Bonds through a $16.4 million bond sale. This refinancing will save taxpayers $1.54 million over the next 10 years by reducing the district’s debt.
The District was able to achieve these savings by issuing the new bonds at an average interest rate of 3.15%, down from the previous rate of 4.68%. This was made possible by the district’s careful monitoring of bond market conditions and the approval of the refunding bonds by the Board on November 25, 2024.
The district’s top “A1” credit rating that was recently reinstated from Moody’s helped attract investors, reducing borrowing costs. Additionally, participation in the Washington State School District Credit Enhancement Program, which offers repayment security, further lowered the cost. Superintendent Dr. Tracey Edou said, “Our team worked hard to minimize costs and reduce the tax burden on our community. These savings will help offset future taxes for our residents.”
Great game, girls!
EP&O Levy Facts: Our athletics and extra-curricular activities are
funded by levy dollars! This support includes funding for all sports and
activities, covering up to 71 coaching and advising positions, as well as
transportation and equipment based on student participation.
Be sure to vote by February 11. Learn more about how levy dollars are
making a difference in our community on our website:
www.cascadesd.org/page/2025-levies
EP&O Levy Facts: Our athletics and extra-curricular activities are
funded by levy dollars! This support includes funding for all sports and
activities, covering up to 71 coaching and advising positions, as well as
transportation and equipment based on student participation.
Be sure to vote by February 11. Learn more about how levy dollars are
making a difference in our community on our website:
www.cascadesd.org/page/2025-levies
The Educational Service District (NCESD) is hosting a free event for students about Firefly IT & Cybersecurity on March 25 where students can discover new careers and learn from professionals in the field. Spots are limited! Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/firefly-cybersecurity-occupation-exploration-tickets-1228609527169?aff=odcleoeventsincollection
Cascade High School's monthly newspaper is out!!
The January edition of The Kodiak Chronicle is here!
Are you curious about Cocoa and Cram? Do you want to know the details of the upcoming Grizzled Old Men game? Have you always wondered how the CHS Knowledge Bowl team has so much success? Do you want details and insight into student perspectives regarding the new CSD Phone Policy implementation? Did you miss the 2025 Winter Concert and want to know how the event went? Would you like to learn more about our CHS Wrestling program and Senior Night?
It's all in there and MORE!
This week is National School Counseling Week, when we focus attention on the unique contributions of school counselors to our schools. Counselors have so much positive impact on helping students achieve success, problem-solve, and prepare for the future. Please thank Mrs. Waggoner, Mrs. Getsinger, Mrs. Grace, and Mrs. Rieke for all they do!
Sending a big shout out to all the Kodiaks who competed on Saturday in the FBLA regional conference! There were multiple students who earned their place at State in April, including Reese M, who took 1st Place in Job Interview; Gabe P, who won 2nd Place in Business Law; and Reese M & Coal F who were awarded 2nd Place in Public Service Announcement! Go Kodiaks!
Congratulations to all our band students who participated in this year's Solo and Ensemble Competition! The following students each earned 1st place in their instrument category:
Kate S and Kai K - 1st Place Regionals, Woodwinds Small Ensemble; Edith P V - 1st Place Regionals, Trombone; Todd L - 1st Place Regionals, Trumpet; Kai K - 1st Place Regionals, Mallets AND 2nd Alternate for the State level competition. Great job, students!
Cascade High School's monthly newspaper is out!!
The January edition of The Kodiak Chronicle is here! https://thekodiakchroincle.wixsite.com/news
Are you curious about Cocoa and Cram? Do you want to know the details of the upcoming Grizzled Old Men game? Have you always wondered how the CHS Knowledge Bowl team has so much success? Do you want details and insight into student perspectives regarding the new CSD Phone Policy implementation? Did you miss the 2025 Winter Concert and want to know how the event went? Would you like to learn more about our CHS Wrestling program and Senior Night?
It's all in there and MORE!
CHS just had a Glow in the Park dance at the Leavenworth Adventure Park where students arrived at the party by rollercoaster!
Good luck to our CHS Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) students who are competing today in the regional competition!
Another facility improvement project for the
district, is modernizing the Peshastin-Dryden Sport Complex Restrooms. If
the levy is approved in February, this project will provide modern,
accessible facilities for students, staff, and community members,
enhancing everyone's experience.
Be sure to vote by February 11. Learn more about how levy dollars are
making a difference in our community on our website:
www.cascadesd.org/page/2025-levies
EP&O Levy Facts: Levy dollars help our district cover the costs of
essential positions that are not funded by the state! This includes funding
for more than 28 in-school positions and over 71 after-school positions,
such as librarians, custodians, paraprofessionals, nurses, mechanics, food
service workers, and counselors.
Be sure to vote by February 11. Learn more about how levy dollars are
making a difference in our community on our website:
www.cascadesd.org/page/2025-levies
The voter-approved technology/safety/facilities levy supports
district-wide security. If the levy is passed in February, the district can
implement security features to ensure a safer environment for all
students and staff.
Be sure to vote by February 11. Learn more about how levy dollars are
making a difference in our community on our website:
www.cascadesd.org/page/2025-levies
Cascade School District has bus driver openings. Paid training, benefits, $24/hr to start. We would love to have you join our team! Please contact us at 509-548-6039.
EP&O Levy Facts: Levy dollars help our district cover additional
operating costs, including unforeseen expenses! With operating costs for
school districts rising across the state, these funds are crucial for snow
removal, fuel cost inflation, employee benefits, and special education
needs, ensuring smooth operations throughout the district.
Be sure to vote by February 11. Learn more about how levy dollars are
making a difference in our community on our website:
www.cascadesd.org/page/2025-levies
Levy Facts: The proposed levy rates for collection years 2026-2029 are
strategically redistributed to better support district needs without increasing
the overall tax rate.
In 2021, voters passed a 4-year EP&O levy and a 4-year Capital Levy,
both of which expire in December 2025. Voters passed an estimated rate
of $0.99 for the EP&O levy and an estimated rate of $0.15 for the capital
levy, for a combined total estimated levy rate of $1.14.
If the replacement levies pass in February 2025, the dollars will be
redistributed due to the new proposed rates for each levy. The combined
total estimated levy rate would stay at $1.14.
Be sure to vote by February 11. Learn more about how levy dollars are
making a difference in our community on our website:
www.cascadesd.org/page/2025-levies
Come out to the next 4 home basketball games and grab some Whistlepunk ice cream 1/23, 1/31, 2/3, 2/4 from 5:00-8:00pm in the CHS Athletic wing. All proceeds go to help Cascade High School students go to their state competition in April. THANKS Matt Collins and Whistlepunk for donating to help out CHS TSA Chapter! Go Kodiaks!
The upcoming Cascade School District levy requests will have two propositions on the February 11, 2025 ballot. Proposition 1 is a proposed replacement Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O, formerly called M&O) levy. Proposition 2 is a proposed replacement technology/safety/facilities levy. Local levies support educational activities that are not funded by the state. These proposed levies are not new taxes but would replace the ones currently being collected. For more information on these, please visit https://www.cascadesd.org/page/2025-levies
