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Capital Levy

Capital Projects Levy on November 3 Ballot
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Taking Care of What We Have

Background

The South Kitsap Board of Directors approved a resolution for a Capital Projects Levy to fund districtwide improvements for safety & security, technology for learning, and facilities for school and community use. 

This levy represents months of thoughtful planning, community collaboration, and professional expertise. Throughout the development process, the district worked with the Facilities Steering Committee and the Finance Advisory Committee. The district also brought in consultants like architects, engineers, and construction professionals to evaluate the feasibility of projects and develop realistic cost estimates.

The theme of the Captial Projects Levy is Taking Care of What We Have. The proposal focuses on protecting and improving the facilities our students and community use every day. We believe the levy projects are practical, responsible investments that reflect the priorities our community helped establish. 

 

 

Key Focus Areas

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.

Campus improvements for school and community use.

Safety & Security Projects

Investments like elementary school security cameras, intercom systems, improved parking/access at EPO and BG, school access, bus radio systems

Technology for Learning

Investments in student devices, classroom technology, infrastructure, and cybersecurity to protect student and staff data privacy

Facility Improvements

Investments in projects that are used by students and the community throughout the year

Two security personnel monitor multiple surveillance camera feeds on screens.

Safety & Security
Improvement Projects

  • Security cameras added to elementary schools
     
  • Intercom systems upgraded in schools for daily and emergency communication
     
  • School entrance access control systems updated
     
  • Bus radio system upgraded
     
  • Traffic/parking access safety improved at Burley Glenwood Elementary and East Port Orchard Elementary

A teacher and student stand by a large screen in a classroom, presenting information.

Technology for Learning
Improvement Projects

  • Replace and update devices used for learning and testing
  • Maintain reliable instructional technology, document cameras, and classroom displays
     
  • Invest and upgrade infrastructure and cybersecurity

 

A synthetic turf baseball field with home plate, batter's box, and base lines marked in white.

Facilities for School & Community Use 
Improvement Projects

  • Renovation to South Kitsap High School Theatre with upgrades to lighting, seating, carpet, paint, acoustics, and sound system
  • South Kitsap High School Gymnasium bleacher replacement and accessibility improvements including railings
     
  • Replacement of grass with synthetic turf at softball and baseball fields at South Kitsap High School
     
  • Replacement of grass with synthetic turf at soccer/football, softball, and baseball fields at centrally located Marcus Whitman Middle School. along with improved parking and accessibility access 

Tax Information

If approved, the Capital Projects Levy would collect $72.6 million over 3 years from 2027-2029. 

The estimated levy rate is $1.50 per thousand of assessed property value. Use the slider tool below to calculate the average monthly payment for your home’s assessed value.

School Levy Estimator Tool

$50k $750k $1.5M $2M
Estimated Monthly Property Tax
$63
$500,000 ÷ 1,000 × $1.50 ÷ 12 = $63/month
This estimate is based on a proposed school levy of $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

Contact the Kitsap County Assessor's Office for property values.

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.

  • This Levy is community-driven. Throughout the process, the district worked with Facilities Steering and Finance Advisory Committees as well as industry experts to evaluate the facilities and determine the feasbility of projects. The result is a project list that reflects district needs, community priorities. and professional expertise.

    Timeline of Capital Levy Development

    • November 2025 – Board initial discussion, Project Management Group request for qualifications
    • 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 approved Resolution No. 1397 Capital Projects Levy
    • August 4, 2026 – Filing deadline with Kitsap County
    • October 16, 2026 - Ballots mailed to residents from Kitsap County
    • November 3, 2026 – Election Day

  • 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