Educational Programs &
Operations Levy

RENEWAL!

Levy Funds Support All SK Students

A renewal of the Educational Programs & Operations Levy will continue to directly support every South Kitsap student with funding, beyond what the state provides, for many critical day-to-day operations, programs, and essential staff including:

What does the levy fund?

School Safety Projects & Security Staffing

Athletics, Arts, & Extracurricular Activities

High Quality Instruction

Support Staff Including Health Services, Technology, Counselors, Maintenance, & Custodians

Special Education Teachers, Paraeducators, & Classroom Support Staff

Student Transportation

Professional Learning for Staff

Instructional Supplies & Materials

Building Operations & Maintenance

This Levy is Critical

This levy funds 16% of South Kitsap School District’s daily operating budget. State and Federal dollars fund 84% of the day-to-day operations and levy dollars bridge the gap to meet student needs.

Did you know?

There is a gap between the state funding and the cost of school district operations.
All 295 Washington school districts rely on voter approved funding measures to cover costs not funded by the state to provide all students with a well-rounded education.

RENEWAL

The Educational Programs & Operations Levy Empowers and Engages Students!

Renewing the EP&O Levy will continue support for educational programs and operations
in the South Kitsap School District while maintaining a stable local school tax rate.

Renewing the Levy means ongoing support for existing educational programs and operations in South Kitsap School District.

The EP&O Levy fills the 16% gap beyond what is provided by the state and actual cost of school programs and operations.

This is not a new tax. It is a proposed renewal of the EP&O Levy which expires at the end of 2025.

Stable Local School Tax Rate

If voters approve the Levy renewal, the local school tax rate is estimated to remain stable at $1.94 per thousand of assessed valuation.

Icon of house with explanation: $500,000 Home = $81/month or $970/year

Total Levy Collection is Capped

Total levy collection is capped at the amounts listed below. The amount is calculated based on total assessed property value in the school district boundaries.

2026 Est. Collection = $1.94 / thousand $30,990,823
2027 Est. Collection = $1.94 / thousand $32,313,252
2028 Est. Collection = $1.94 / thousand $33,950,830
2029 Est. Collection = $1.94 / thousand $35,690,540

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Levy?

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. The Educational Programs & Operations Levy pays for programs, services, and supports beyond what is provided by the State or other sources. Remember - EP&O Levies are for Learning.

South Kitsap has a 4-year EP&O Levy that is expiring in 2025 and is up for renewal.

What is a Levy Renewal or Replacement Levy?

Aren't schools fully funded by the state?

No! Washington is only legally required to fully fund what they define as basic education based on a funding distribution formula referred to as a prototypical model. It is a formula with assumptions that often supports only part of the staffing or other services required in a school. For example, the prototypical model from the state only funds 1 nurse for 10,000 students.

How much will I pay?

The local school tax rate is expected to continue at $1.94/thousand. That means that a homeowner with a $500,000 home will continue to pay $81/month or $970 year if the Levy is renewed.

Levy Tax Calculator

Enter your property's assessed value to estimate your local tax for the proposed EP&O levy:

Assessed Property Value ($):

Is a Levy the same as a Bond?

Bonds are different than levies and are used for different purposes. A bond provides funding for 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.

Are property tax exemptions available?

Have Questions?

Ask any questions you have about the levy by filling out the form below.

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