Oak Harbor school officials are lobbying state legislators to protect a pot of money that brings in nearly $1 million.

The Legislature is holding a special session in November resolve an estimated $1.4 billion in revenues shortfalls. School officials are concerned that the state levy match is at risk.

The Oak Harbor School District brings in approximately $900,000 a year in levy matching funds. Those funds are designed to level the playing field between school districts with considerable financial resources and those with fewer.

The Oak Harbor School Board is holding the first of two meetings with state legislators today, Oct. 27, at 11:30 a.m. at the school district’s administration building. Board members will meet with State Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen.

The second meeting takes place Thursday, Nov. 3,at 5:30 p.m. to talk with Reps. Barbara Bailey and Norma Smith.

The loss of levy matching funding would increase the disparity between Oak Harbor and neighboring school districts, according to a news release from the Oak Harbor School District. Anacortes receives $1,000 more per student while Coupeville receives $600 more per student, yet they won’t be affected by the loss of levy matching funds should that occur.