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Replacement Educational Programs and Operations Levy (EP&O)

Replacement Educational Programs & Operations Levy

This levy would replace the current Educational Programs and Operations Levy, which represents about 14% of the district’s operating budget. The EP&O levy fills the gap between what the state funds for basic education and what our students and schools need. 

No anticipated tax-rate increase

 

EP&O levy rate

 

  • The EP&O levy is replacing the current EP&O levy that is expiring.
  • No anticipated tax-rate increase for the combined tax collection due to the district’s 2024 refinancing of bonds.
    • Property tax is voted on and based upon the assessed values of all properties within the district.
    • School districts only levy a specific dollar amount. When asking voters for approval, they are required by law to provide an estimate of the tax rate. This helps individuals understand the potential tax burden they might have as the district cannot estimate every individual's assessed value in the district during the collection years.
    • The current EP&O collection amount in 2024 is about $6.8 million. If approved, the collection amount in 2025 would be $7.5 million.
    • With the refinancing of the 2014 bonds, the district will save taxpayers more than $500,000 annually in collection. The refinance savings will offset the majority of the 2025 EP&O levy increase from 2024 to 2025. It allows the district to estimate no change in the combined tax rate.
  • The EP&O levy represents about 14% of the district’s operating budget.

How will this levy support students?

 

EPO distribution

 

 

Teaching + Support

Teaching + Support (37%)

  • Allows for a wide variety of experiences for students, including core classes and electives like the arts and STEM.
  • The EP&O levy funds teachers and support staff when state funding falls short.
  • Without this funding, class sizes would be impacted, as levy-supported teacher and support staff positions would be reduced.
  • Technology Support: The district employs two full-time staff to procure, maintain and troubleshoot district technology. These positions are minimally funded by the state.
  • Security: The district is exploring the possibility of hiring a School Resource Officer in partnership with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office.
  • Social Emotional Learning Support: Maintains current levels of support for counselors, psychologists, nurses and mental health services.

 

Positions funded by the levy

 

 

Special Education

Special Education (20%)

  • About 20% of the EP&O levy supports special education expenditures unfunded by state and federal apportionment.
  • Occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech language pathologists, psychologists and behavior specialist to meet student needs as outlined in individual educational plans.
  • Teachers and paras beyond state funding to support students with disabilities.

 

Athletics + Activities

Athletics + Activities (15%)

  • The state does not provide funding for athletics. 
  • At Lakewood Middle School, students can participate in both individual and team sports as early as sixth grade.
  • Lakewood High School offers 12 different varsity sports with teams at various skill levels.  
  • Programs such as athletics, music, art, drama, and clubs help keep students involved and engaged in school.
  • While ASB, boosters and participation fees provide valuable support, our athletics and extracurricular activities are primarily funded by the EP&O levy.

 

Technology + Operations

Technology + Operations (14%)

  • Technology has become an integral part of learning in the 21st century. This levy would fund technology such as student Chromebook computers, document cameras in classrooms, Boxlight interactive classroom panels, and operating software.
  • Funds maintenance and repair of current devices.
  • Allows access to digital curriculum and supplemental resources.
  • Maintains access to state-mandated standardized testing and STAR math and reading assessments.
  • Preventative maintenance and repair of facilities.
  • Funds Food Service gap beyond state funding.
  • Outreach to families and community.
  • Curricular resources, instructional materials and student supplies.
  • Utility, insurance and operations costs beyond state funding.

 

Professional Development

Professional Development (14%)

  • Training for staff to improve student learning and success. 
  • Professional development to teach the building blocks of reading for elementary students.
  • Supporting the use of classroom assessments to identify and diagnose student needs.
  • Strengthening the ability of teachers to provide interventions that help students learn at grade level.
  • Concentrated support for new teachers.

If property values go up, do schools get more funding?

No. Property values may fluctuate, but the district only collects the total amount approved by voters and no more.

 

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