Levies provide money for programs, activities, and services that are not covered by state funding for basic education. The state only funds a portion of basic education programs so school districts ask local voters to pick up the cost of education that the state does not pay for through “levies”. The replacement School Programs and Operation Levy is used for daily operations of the school  - for programs and services such as utility bills, purchase of textbooks and school bus transportation. The replacement Technology and School Improvements Levy is used for purchases such as computer hardware, software, applications, and licensing or a new roof on a school. Both levies REPLACE the current levies that expire December 31, 2022, so when one levy expires the new levy starts - think of a magazine subscription that expires every year and needs to be “renewed”. Passage of the levies simply supports the present commitment to programs and services. This is not a new tax, but a replacement of the current levies.

The replacement levies will pay for a portion of many programs and services which are not fully funded by the state. Examples include:

• Textbooks, library books, and classroom supplies
• School bus transportation
• Special Education services
• Music and athletic equipment
• Computer hardware, software, applications, licensing and other needs for student learning
• Staff support such as class advisors, academic team advisors, and coaches salaries
• Large maintenance needs such as painting a school or a new roof
• Utilities (heat, lights) and insurance
• Upkeep and maintenance of all facilities and grounds

The Educational Programs & Operations levy covers basic educational and operational costs expected of the school district that are 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 Technology and School Improvements levy funds will come to the district over four 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.

The school district can no longer collect the money through taxes, which means the programs and activities funded by that levy will no longer have that money.

Levies work something like a magazine subscription, which is why school districts go back to voters every so often to ask that levies be renewed. As a levy is about to expire, the school district will typically go back to voters and ask to have the expiring levy replaced by a new levy.

To pass an Educational Programs & Operations levy it takes 50% + 1 voter approval.

To pass a Technology and School Improvements levy it takes 50% + 1 voter approval.

No. A levy is for a specific dollar amount. The school district cannot collect more money than what was approved by voters.

The total amount of levy dollars collected annually during the 4 year levy period will not change but your individual rate could go up or down based on a number of factors.

The rate would increase if property values decline significantly or if there is less property in the community.

The rate would decrease if property values increase and/or new construction continues to be built.

Educational Programs & Educational Levy:

$2.11 per $1,000 Assessed Value

Technology & School Improvements Levy:

$0.32 per $1,000 Assessed Value

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

Yes, if you are 62 or older or disabled, you may qualify for partial or full exemptions from voter-approved levy (and bond) issues if your household income is limited. The application process is a simple, one page form - call the Snohomish County Assessor’s Office, 425-388-3433, for the application and qualification requirements.

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

Ballots need to be returned to your nearest drop box or post marked by Tuesday, April 26, 2022.

Ballots will be mailed to homes around April 8, 2022.

More information can be found on the Snohomish County Assessors website.

Further information can be found at:

https://snohomishcountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1703/Levy-Presentation?bidId&fbclid=IwAR31k4_VGoBZ7Xj1XwDM3DapoIGp8-q-f_AlzbMBn_Aeh1GO7dS8dDVYbf4