Levy Information

Bonds are for buildings.  A bond is a long-term investment that authorizes the district to purchase property for schools, construct new schools, or modernize existing buildings.

A levy provides funding for programs and services that the state does not pay for as part of “basic education”.  Levies can come in different forms to fulfill different needs.

A capital levy is district specific and designed based on the needs of the district.  They are typically tied to a district's infrastructure and may include things like technology, building security, and smaller renovation and modernization projects.  Capital levies can be approved for up to six years.

Sometimes referred to as replacement or renewal levy, it is a local property tax collected to help finance the education programs, supplemental programs, and operations of public schools in the Eatonville School District. This levy pays for items necessary for the day-to-day operations of schools. It includes items not fully funded by the State and provides about 20% of the District’s financial support.  These levies can be approved for up to four years. A replacement levy is the renewal of an existing school levy that is about to expire. Typically, if a district is asking for a replacement levy to be approved by voters, it means that it is simply the continuation of an existing tax.

Doesn’t the state fully fund basic education? State and other funding provides approximately 80% of the funds required to operate the school district. The funds from the replacement levy allow the district to continue programs and services that are not fully paid for by the state.

The current Educational Programs & Operations Levy rate is $2.50 per $1,000 of the assessed property value.  This levy runs from 2021 through 2024. 

The current Capital Projects Levy rate is .25 cents per $1,000 of the assessed property value.  This levy runs from 2019 through 2024. 

●      All athletics, clubs, and extracurricular activities

●      Student wellness supports

●      Food Service & Transportation Costs

●      Paraeducator & Technology Support

●      Preschool

●      Farm (GRITS Program)

●      Grounds & Maintenance costs beyond state funding

No.  The District does not use levy funds to support special education programs.  The use of levy funds for special education would obligate the district to maintain that same level of spending in each future year.  Instead, the district redirects other state funding to compensate for funding gaps in special education.  

We are hopeful the measure will pass.  The school board will make that decision as part of the budget process when it considers available resources from all sources (local levies, state, and federal funds).  Student achievement and wellness are our top priorities.  However, a failed levy would be felt at all levels across the system and would severely impact our ability to provide the same level of programs and services that we currently provide and that levy-funded districts throughout the state provide.

The Educational Program & Operations Levy may be combined with the Capital Levy to get a combined rate.  Here are various possible scenarios based on various combined rates (final rates may be lower, depending on growth within the tax-based area):

Yes.  Washington State provides two tax benefit programs for senior citizens and individuals who are disabled; property tax exemptions and property tax deferrals.  For more information on qualifications, you may contact your local county assessor’s office.