Proposition 1 – Renewal Two-Year Educational Programs and Operations Levy (EP&O)

Quick look – This levy pays for basic general classroom and operational needs such as special education, curriculum, extra-curricular activities, and staff salaries that are not fully funded by the state. Total cost = $81.2 million over two years.

Proceeds will fund: 

• Nurses
• Mental health counselors
• Student support coaches
• Security staff
• Certificated and classified staff for
  Special Education, Highly Capable, and
  English Language Learner programs
• Paraeducators
• Professional development for teachers
  including professional learning days,
  training, and workshops
• Substitute teachers
• Career and Technical Education/STEM learning
• Early Childhood Learning
• Curriculum materials and training
• Reduced class sizes
• Activities and club advisors
• All extracurricular activities
• Sports
• Athletic Directors
• Coaches
• High school schedules that create opportunities for acceleration,
  exploration, and remediation.
• Elementary Dual Language program
• New teacher mentoring program
• More academic guidance counselors
• Increased mental health counselors and support
• Expanded Early Learning programs

Proposition 2 – Renewal School Bus Ley: Health, Safety and Efficiency

Quick look – proceeds from this levy will provide $2 million in 2019 to purchase 76 buses to enable the District’s fleet to run as safely, cleanly, and efficiently as possible. The levy will allow the District to collect state funding to offset the cost of bus purchases, ensure alignment with state safety standards, and provide the most efficient buses.

Proposition 3 – Renewal Capital Levy: Education Technology and Critical Repairs

Quick look – The District will collect nearly $54 million for technology and $14.5 million for critical repairs over the life of the levy.

Proceeds will fund – For technology, these dollars will fund replacement of aging computers, printers, servers, and document cameras, staff training, development of online classes/educational opportunities, school tech specialists, upgrades of wireless Internet, safety and efficiency software for school bus operations, and continued upgrades to District websites, emergency alert systems, and other e-communications. For critical repairs, the Capital Levy includes maintenance of heating and cooling systems, additional portable classroom space, safety and security upgrades.

Financial impact:

• Local tax impact: The local Issaquah School District tax rate is expected to decrease an estimated $0.69 per $1,000 in 2019 and $0.49 in 2020.
• State school taxes: The state portion of school taxes will increase an estimated $0.96/$1,000 and may be further increased by the State Department of Revenue.

Chart #1 Shows the Total Combined Levy including all three local replacement levies, local construction bonds, and the state school levy. The higher tax rate in 2018 is the result of the new state tax and the final collection of the local levy that expires in 2018. Combined tax rates would then begin to level off from 2019-2022.

The total combined tax rate for state and local school levies and construction bonds in 2017 was $6.09 per $1,000 of assessed property value (APV). The total combined rate for state and local school levies and construction bonds will be an estimated $6.92 per $1,000 APV in 2018, then drop back down to an estimated $6.24 per $1,000 in APV in 2019, and increase to $6.49 per $1,000 APV in 2020.

Chart #2 Focuses on the Two-Year Educational Programs and Operations Levy and reflects the shift in property taxes between state and local school levies due to the new school funding legislation enacted by Washington State in June, 2017. Beginning in 2018, the rate of the state portion of school taxes will increase by an estimated $0.96 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The Issaquah School District’s local EP&O levy rate is being reduced by an estimated $0.69 per $1,000 in 2019 and $0.49 in 2020.

Want to learn more?

Issaquah School District Levy Issues

About this series: EEN’s School District Ballot Measure Overview provides voters with information about the February 2018 levy/bond ballot measures, compiled from each school district’s website. EEN intern Cami Brix contributed to this series.

 

Proposition 1 – Replacement Educational Programs & Operations Levy (EP&O)

Quick look – This levy funds staff, programs, and course offerings not funded completely by the state. Average annual amount collected per year is $63.5 million. Replaces an expiring levy with a $0.23 per thousand AV tax rate decrease. Total Cost = $1.03 per thousand of assessed value. Learn more at the EP&O Levy Detail Cost Sheet here.

Proceeds will fund: 

• Certificated and classified staff for Special Education, Highly Capable and English Learner programs
• Substitutes
• Nurses
• Health room staff, campus security staff
• Transportation staff
• New Teacher Support Program
• Five (5) professional learning days in August
• Training, workshops, in-service, professional fund, professional learning
• Athletic Directors
• Coaches
• Athletic Trainers
• Athletic Advisors
• Head Start, Ready Start and Special Education preschool

Proposition 2 – Replacement Capital Projects Levy

Quick look – funds critical facility and technology needs not funded by the state. This replaces an expiring levy with no tax rate increase. Average annual amount for facility needs – $13.15 million. Average annual amount for technology needs – $23.6 million. Replaces an expiring levy with no tax rate increase. Learn more at the Capital Projects Detail Sheet here.

Proceeds will fund:

• Heating, ventilation, water, lighting
• Roofing, insulation
• Flooring, door locks, paint
• Walkways, parking, drainage, parking/site lighting
• Stadium turf, all-weather fields, tennis courts, tracks
• Bleachers, storage, fencing, signage
• Fire alarms
• Lockdown hardware/window treatment systems
• ADA access, site access, vehicle flow, student drop off/pick up access
• Network security, servers, cloud storage
• Operating systems, phone/voice systems
• Student and staff computers
• Classroom technology, interactive/visual, audio/sound systems
• Security cameras
• Lifecycle printers
• Instructional software
• Library databases
• Learning management systems
• Student information system
• Family/home and community communication systems
• HR/personnel systems
• Nutrition/food services systems
• Data analytics
• Staff training
• Professional learning/technology integration

Proposition 3 – Bond To Reduce Overcrowding and Enhance Learning Environments

Quick look – Student enrollment in Lake Washington continues to grow. Proceeds from this bond will upgrade learning environments and provide additional classrooms. This bond maintains the current rate with no tax rate increase.

Proceeds will fund:

• Remodel/rebuild and enlarge Kamiakin Middle School and Alcott Elementary School
• Add a new elementary school in Lake Washington Learning Center and a new choice high school in Sammamish
• Build additions to Lake Washington High School
• Acquire land for future projects

Financial impact 

	EP&O	Capital Projects	Bond	Total
2018	$1.26	$0.59	$1.31	$3.16
2019	$1.03	$0.59	$1.31	$2.93

From 2018 to 2019, the local levy ask will decrease $0.23.

Note: The Lake Washington School District website did not include information about changes to the upcoming state property tax to pay for education across the state.

Want to learn more?

Lake Washington School District bond and levy information page

About this series: EEN’s School District Ballot Measure Overview provides voters with information about the February 2018 levy/bond ballot measures, compiled from each school district’s website. EEN intern Cami Brix contributed to this series.

 

Proposition 1 – Educational Programs & Operations Levy (Renewal)

Quick look – the proceeds from this levy go fund day-to-day classroom and operational needs that are not funded by the state. Total collected in four years = $304 million.

• 7th period classes and tutorial at middle schools and high schools
• Additional nurses, counselors, and security
• Special Education
• Gifted Programs
• Orchestra, band, music, and art in elementary schools
• World languages in middle schools
• Athletics and after school activities

Proposition 2 – Technology & Capital Projects Levy (Renewal)

Quick look – proceeds from this levy go towards the programs it currently funds. Total collected in four years = $163 million.

Proceeds will fund:

• Classroom technology and training for teachers
• Laptops for middle school and high school students
• Large scale school improvements like the carpeting, roofs, and heating and cooling systems
• Integrated digital curriculum
• Collaborative STEM learning
• Access to new technologies that support student learning

Proposition 3 – School Bus Levy

Quick look – proceeds from this levy go will address growing enrollment by increasing bus capacity for 7-10 years  Total collected in one year = $8 million. 

Proceeds will fund:

• Less crowded buses
• Increased convenience with more bus routes
• Reduced traffic congestion around schools
• Continued safe travel for field trips and extracurricular activities

Financial impact – The local school tax rate will decrease from $2.93 in 2017 to $2.58 in 2022. This amount includes the cost of bonds previously approved by voters for the construction of new buildings.

Note: The Bellevue School District website did not include information about changes in state property tax rates to pay for education across the state.

Want to learn more?

Bellevue School District February Levy Measures Information Page

About this series: EEN’s School District Ballot Measure Overview provides voters with information about the February 2018 levy/bond ballot measures, compiled from each school district’s website. EEN intern Cami Brix contributed to this series.

Proposition 1 –  Renewal Educational Programs & Operations Levy

Quick look – This levy provides 20 percent of the school district’s budget for educational programs, services and daily operations. Total: $234 million.

Proceeds will fund:

• Special education
• Academic support for advanced learners
• Transportation not funded by the state
• Interventions for struggling learners
• Enrichment and extra-curricular activities including music, drama, sports and clubs
• Basic education needs not funded by the state and federal government’

Proposition 2 –  Capital Projects Bond

Quick look – proceeds from this levy help ease overcrowding now, while also planning for the future growth of the district. Total: $275 million.

Proceeds will fund:

• Provide safety and security upgrades at every school in the district
• Build a new K-5 school near Maltby
• Add 30 classrooms at the Skyview Middle School and Canyon Creek Elementary School campus. View rendering of the proposed building’s side view
• Create a performing arts and instructional building at Inglemoor High School, ensuring accessibility and equity among high schools
• Provide maintenance, operation upgrades at many schools

Proposition 3 – Renewal Technology Levy

Quick look – the proceeds from this bond ensure every student has access to technology, and to also make sure teachers and students have the skills to use technology as a valuable learning resource. Total: $62 million.

 Proceeds will fund:

• 1:1 access to computes/tablets for all grades, which may consist of
  • K-5 graders accessing a cart of devices in their rooms
  • 6-12 graders assigned a device to take to classes
  • Assistive technology for students with special needs
  • District engagement of parents to determine an implementation strategy
  • Training for teachers for classroom technology use
  • Continued student training for online safety, digital citizenship
  • Technology to improve district communications to families

Financial impact – The total local property tax rate for schools is projected to decrease in 2018, increase in 2019 and then continue to decrease from that point forward.

	Current tax rate (per $1,000 AV)	New estimate tax rate (per $1,000 AV)	Total generated
Educational Programs & Operations Levy	$1.93	$1.82	$234 M
Capital Projects Bond	$1.78	$1.59	$275 M
Technology Levy	$0.30	$0.48	$62 M
	$4.01	$3.89

Note: The Northshore School District website did not include information about upcoming changes in the state property tax rate to pay for education.

Want to learn more?

2018 Northshore Bond and Levies Overview

Financial impact of local and state levies

About this series: EEN’s School District Ballot Measure Overview provides voters with information about the February 2018 levy/bond ballot measures, compiled from each school district’s website. EEN intern Cami Brix contributed to this series.

Proposition 1 – Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy

Quick look – The four-year replacement levy would provide $8,450,000 in 2019, $7,800,000 in 2020, $7,820,000 in 2021 and $7,820,000 in 2022.

Proceeds will fund:

• Additional Classroom
• Teachers
• Special Education Services
• Librarians
• Music Specialists
• Physical Ed Specialists
• Counselors
• Gifted/Remediation Program
• Educational Assistants
• Extracurricular Activities
• Textbooks/Library Books
• Support Staff
• Coaches/Advisors
• Student Transportation
• Food Service Staff
• Custodial/Maintenance
• Staff Training
• After-School Programs

Proposition 2 – Technology and Capital Projects Replacement Levy

Quick look – This four-year replacement levy would provide $2,845,000 for collection in each year of 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022.

Proceeds will fund:

• Student-Issued Devices grades 6-12
• Classroom Laptop Carts grades 3-5
• iPads grades K-2
• Student Learning Software
• Staff Computer Replacements
• Classroom Modernizations
• Wireless Display Panels
• Increase & Upgrade Wireless
• Network/Infrastructure Upgrades
• Replacement Security Cameras
• Community Notification Software
• District Robotics Program
• Career & Technical Education (CTE) Program Equipment
• Continued Staff Training
• Portable Additions and Replacement
• Technology Support Staff
• Facility Repair and Maintenance

Proposition 3 – Transportation Vehicle Fund Levy

Quick look – the proceeds from this bond will purchase new buses to serve growing student enrollment and to replace existing buses that no longer adequately meet transportation and student safety needs. This is two-year levy that would provide $640,000 in 2019 and $640,000 in 2020.

Financial impact

Approx. local levy tax per $1,000 AV	Current 2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
Prop #1 Replacement EP&O	$2.22	$1.93*	$1.65*	$1.53*	$1.42*
Prop #2 Replacement Technology & Capital Levy	$0.46	$0.65	$0.60	$0.56	$0.52
Prop #3	$0	$0.15	$0.14	$0	$0
Total $/year per $1,000	$2.68	$2.73	$2.39	$2.09	$1.94

*Current state plan will change the amounts above to $1.50 per $1,000 assessed valuation

Note: The Riveriew School District website did not include information about upcoming changes to the state property tax rate to pay for education across the state.

Want to learn more?

Riverview School District School Board Approves Ballot Resolutions

Riverview Ballot Resolutions Overview

About this series: EEN’s School District Ballot Measure Overview provides voters with information about the February 2018 levy/bond ballot measures, compiled from each school district’s website. EEN intern Cami Brix contributed to this series.

Proposition 1 – Replacement Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy

Quick look – Average annual amount per year: $49 million. This is less than the $51 million average per year of the levy expiring on Dec. 31, 2018.

Proceeds will fund:

• Early learning
• Summer school
• Extended-day programs
• Teaching materials and equipment
• Transportation
• Music
• Art
• Drama
• Athletics and extracurricular activities
• Competitive staff salaries
• Professional training for staff
• Special education
• STEM programs
• Highly Capable programs
• Ongoing facilities and maintenance

Proposition 2 – Capital Bond

Quick look – proceeds from this $330.6 million bond will fund:

• Adding 36 permanent elementary classrooms districtwide to lower class size.
• Improving safety and access at Emerson and Jefferson elementary school, including new parking lots
• Everett HS cafeteria building modernization and expansion
• Cascade HS science building modernization and expansion
• Electrical systems upgrades districtwide
• HVAC upgrades at four schools and maintenance facility
• Land for a future elementary school #20
• Jackson HS classroom retrofits
• HVAC unit upgrades for 12 portable classrooms
• Modernizing portions of existing high school space to transform into career-connected learning centers focused on Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing (Cascade HS), Health & Medical (Everett HS), Communications and Information Technology (Jackson HS) and Energy and Sustainability (New HS #4)

Financial impact

If both the Capital Bond and Replacement Educational Programs and Operations Levy are approved, tax collections to complete those projects begin in 2019. That year the local school tax rate is projected to be $4.89 per each $1,000 of property value. That rate is the lowest local school tax rate for property owners in the district since 2013.  The projected tax rate is expected to remain stable at $4.89 through 2024.

Note: The Everett School District website did not include information about upcoming changes to the state property tax rate to pay for education across the state.

Want to learn more?

Everett School District bond/levy information page

About this series: EEN’s School District Ballot Measure Overview provides voters with information about the February 2018 levy/bond ballot measures, compiled from each school district’s website. EEN intern Cami Brix contributed to this series.

Proposition 1 – Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Replacement Levy

Quick look  – The Proposition 1 levy would authorize an average of $15.5 million per year for 2019 through 2022.

Proceeds will fund:

• School nurses, counselors, STREAM teachers, support staff
• Instructional coaches and training to improve teaching
• Educational programs and curriculum supplies
• Substitutes
• Food services
• Pupil transportation
• Student activity programs (music, art, club, sports, extra-curricular)
• Summer school
• Materials, insurance, utilities, other operational costs
• Locally-bargained compensation and supplemental work
• Community use of facilities

Proceeds will also fund these future costs and improvements:

• Opening new high school (2019)
• Transition to 7-period HS schedule
• Reinstating third middle school (2019)
• Opening preschool facility
• School start times adjustments
• Enhancing communications
• Program enhancements: world language, music, art, positive behavior interventions and supports, STEM
• Behavioral health services
• Reduce student fees for classes/labs, extracurricular, supply lists
• Increase school unit budgets
• Collective bargaining to attract and retain staff
• Staffing support to increase focus on student data collection and analysis

Proposition 2 – Technology Replacement Levy

Quick look – continues funding for technology, equipment, support, infrastructure needs, training for students and staff and expanding STEM learning opportunities. The levy would authorize an average of $4.7 million per year for 2019 through 2022.

Proceeds will fund these current programs:

• School technology equipment and programs for students and staff
• Network/wireless infrastructure upgrades and expansion
• Emergency communications, safety and security systems
• Professional development and training for staff

Proceeds will also fund these improvements:

• One-to-one computers for students grades 6-12 for school/home use
• Computers for classroom use grades K-5
• Computer science instruction in elementary and middle school
• Replace aging classroom projectors with interactive displays

Financial impact – The combined local school levy tax rate is expected to decrease an estimated $0.67 per $1,000 assessed property value (AV) in 2019. The state portion of school taxes will increase an estimated $0.94/$1,000 AV in 2019.

The combined 2019 EP&O and Technology levy rates are decreasing compared to 2017 rates of the expiring levies. The state is increasing its statewide property tax to fund additional staffing for K-3 class size reduction and teacher/staff pay.

	2017 rates	2019 rates (estimate)	Difference
EP&O Levy	$2.26	$1.50	-$0.76
Tech Levy	$0.35	$0.44	$0.09
State Schools Tax	$2.03	$2.97	$0.94
Combined Total	$4.64	$4.91	$0.27

Calculating estimated costs: Assessed Value/$1,000 x Rate

Snoqualmie Valley School District website levy info page

About this series: EEN’s School District Ballot Measure Overview provides voters with information about the February 2018 levy/bond ballot measures, compiled from each school district’s website. EEN intern Cami Brix contributed to this series.

Proposition 1 – Replacement educational maintenance and operations levy

Quick look – The levy would collect $11.75 million and $12.75 million per year from 2019 to 2022.  It will continue to fund 20 percent of the Mercer Island School District general fund, including 38 percent of special education funding.

Proceeds will fund:

• Transportation (backfilling what the state does not cover)
• Qualified substitute teachers
• 7 period day at HS
• Expanded electives at HS and MS
• FTE to support students in the online learning program at CREST
• Smaller class sizes for “focus” sections for struggling students
• Ongoing professional development opportunities for staff in a myriad of areas
• Stipends for staff to offer additional opportunities for students
• Afterschool clubs and activities at all grade levels including Destination Imagination, student interest clubs such as coding, community service, etc.
• Athletic opportunities beyond what ASB covers
• Enhanced library collections
• Some curriculum materials
• Classified support in classrooms with overloads, additional Special Education/English Language Learning students, as well as student supervision and safety
• Special Education, 38% of Special Education funding comes from local levy
• Elementary K-5 Music, Art, PE and Spanish

Financial impact

Collection year	Est levy rate/$1,000 AV	Levy amount
2019	$1.00	$11,750,000
2020	$1.00	$12,000,000
2021	$1.00	$12,300,000
2022	$1.00	$12,750,000

Note: The Mercer Island School District website did not include information about upcoming changes to the state property tax rate to pay for education across the state.

Want to learn more? Mercer Island School District bond/levy information page

About this series: EEN’s School District Ballot Measure Overview provides voters with information about the February 2018 levy/bond ballot measures, compiled from each school district’s website. EEN intern Cami Brix contributed to this series.