The EP&O levy covers basic educational and operational costs expected of the school district that is not covered by the state. It is a four-year levy and is essential for day to day functioning of schools. It includes special education, nurses, counselors and salaries.

The capital levy funds will come to the district over six years and funds the highest priority technology and facility needs of the district not funded by the state. This includes computers, equipment and support to maintain one device/computer per student; health, safety and security upgrades district-wide; ensuring equal access to programs and facilities for all students; and maintaining our facilities in good working order.

To pass an EP&O levy it takes 50% + 1 voter approval

To pass a capital levy it takes 50% + 1 voter approval

If both levies pass, your taxes will increase by about $0.84 per $1,000 Assessed Value (AV) over 2021 taxes, but it is actually a decrease from what you paid per AV in 2020 and before.

For the EP&O levy we are asking for a rate that will cover the costs of our needs. That rate is what is above the current allowable, but we will only be able to collect the allowable amount. We are locked into this rate for four years. If the legislature raises the allowable amount within that four year span, and we already have voter approval then we can collect up to the new allowable amount to help cover our expenses. At no time will we collect more than what is allowable by the state. 

Yes, there are various programs available to property owners to help reduce property taxes. For more information, visit snohomishcountywa.gov/328/property-tax-exemptions.

You can register to vote online, in person or by mail. Visit VOTEWA.gov for information.

You need to vote by Tuesday, February 8, 2022.

Ballots will be mailed to homes around January 20, 2022.

The Capital Bond Planning Committee, which gave recommendations for the 2020 capital bond, reconvened in fall 2021 to make a recommendation to the board which projects to prioritize in the 2022 Capital Levy. Their complete set of recommendations and projects can be found here.

Typically, building a school is funded by a capital bond, but it can also be funded by a capital levy. It is the difference between getting the funding as you go and getting the funding up front.