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Capital Levy

Capital Projects Levy in Development for November 2026

The South Kitsap Board of Directors is developing a Capital Projects Levy for school improvements.

The details, scope, and projects are not yet confirmed, but the measure will likely be placed on the November 2026 ballot.

A Capital Projects Levy is a funding measure used by school districts to make improvements on existing structures. This is different than a Bond which helps build or rebuild schools and is repaid over time, like a mortgage. One way to think of this is Capital Levy = Take Care of What We Have where as Bonds = Build For the Future

A Facilities Advisory Committee and Finance Steering Committee have been meeting over the past few months to review the condition of South Kitsap schools and finances. They will make a recommendation for the board’s consideration for which projects should be prioritized for the Capital Levy in the short term and which projects should be slated for future bond proposals.

Development Timeline for November 2026

  • November 2025 – Board begins initial discussion, Project Management Group request for qualifications process
  • December 3, 2025 – Additional Board discussion
  • December 17, 2025 – Additional Board discussion
  • January 21, 2026 – Board decides to develop Capital Projects Levy proposal
  • February – June, 2026 – District Facilities Steering and Finance Advisory Committees at work
  • July 29, 2026 – The Board will consider a ballot measure resolution
  • August 4, 2026 – Filing deadline with Kitsap County
  • November 3, 2026 – Election Day

Key Focus Areas

The state does not provide funding for most school building maintenance, major repairs, safety, or technology upgrades. Local capital levies allow the district to maintain community assets, improve efficiency, and plan for long-term building needs.

The proposed measure will likely fund projects in three main cateogries:

Safety & Security Projects - Safe schools are foundational to student learning and community confidence.

Instructional Technology Projects - Preparing students for the future requires modern tools and reliable infrastructure.

Capital Projects - Top priority projects that directly support efficiency, student safety, and positively impact the community.

Frequent Questions

  • A Levy is a property tax that collects a specific dollar amount over a short time period. Levies require 50% simple majority voter approval to pass.

  • Bonds are different than levies and are used for different purposes. A bond provides funding for large scale capital projects such as purchasing property for schools, constructing new schools, or modernizing existing schools. Bonds are sold to investors who are repaid with interest over time from property tax collections, generally between 10-25 years. Bonds require a 60% super majority to pass. South Kitsap does not not have any bond debt and is not currently asking voters to consider a bond.

  • When voters approve a school tax levy, it sets the maximum amount the district can collect, but the actual amount collected can fluctuate over the term of the levy based on enrollment and property values. Here’s how it works:

    1. The Total Amount is Limited – The school district can never collect more than the amount approved by voters. However, if enrollment declines, the total amount collected can be lower than the approved amount.
    2. Taxes Are Based on Property Values – The total amount the district collects is divided among all taxable properties in the district. If property values go up, the tax rate (per $1,000 of assessed value) may go down. If property values go down, the rate may go up to still reach the total amount needed.
    3. Your Tax Bill Can Change Even If the Total Collected Stays the Same – If your home’s assessed value increases more than others in the district, your share of the total tax may go up. If your home’s value increases less than others, your share may go down.

    In summary, while the voter-approved amount sets the limit, the actual amount collected is adjusted based on how many students are enrolled and the total taxable property values in the community. Your individual tax bill depends on your home’s assessed value compared to others in the district.

  • Property tax exemptions may be available from Kitsap County Assessors Office for Seniors, People with Disabilities, & Disabled Veterans with a combined household income of $65,000 or less.

    Check the Kitsap County Assessor's website for more information.
    Senior Disabled Exemption Details