April 2022 Levy FACTS
Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy
Evergreen Public Schools Levy-April 26, 2022
On April 26, 2022, voters will be asked to consider a replacement Educational Programs and Operations Levy (EP&O). This funding helps provide the kind of education that prepares students for the jobs of tomorrow.
This is not a new tax and if approved, it will lower the overall school tax rate.
Evergreen is asking voters to consider a three year replacement levy at $1.70 per $1,000 of assessed value for each of the three years, which is the same as the current levy tax rate. It is a significantly lower tax rate than previously proposed on the February ballot.
When coupled with the existing school-approved Bond measure and Technology Levy, this will lower the current local school tax rate from $3.79 per $1,000 of assessed property value to a projected $3.68 (2023), $3.48 (2024) and $3.48 (2025) per $1,000 of assessed property value.
A Replacement Levy Presentation with Superintendent John Boyd
what the levy supports
Your levy dollars support crucial school services and programs not covered under state basic education funding. This accounts for about 11% of the district's overall budget.
If approved, this levy will continue to support:
Additional teaching staff to help reduce class sizes
Safety programs, security officers, school nurses and counselors
Performing arts such as band, choir, orchestra and theater programs
Field trips, athletics and related activities
Local support to bridge gaps in Special Education, English Language Learners, Highly Capable and Transportation Programs
what if the levy doesn't pass?
What if the levy doesn’t pass?
The levy provides 11% of the district’s budget. Loss of local levy funds means tough choices and would require the district to make cuts to student programs and services that could result in:
Significant cuts or elimination of programs like sports, band, choir, orchestra, and theater
Larger class sizes and staff reductions
Fewer social emotional support for students and fewer school counselors
Fewer support staff like school nurses and security officers
Cuts to programs partially funded by levy dollars: Special Education, English Language Learners, Highly Capable and Transportation Programs
LEVY FAQ
Levy dollars support Fine & performing arts programs
Levy dollars support sports like middle school soccer
Levy dollars support school nurses
ACCOUNTABILITY
Evergreen, like nearly every other school district in the state of Washington, relies on a mix of federal, state and local funds to operate schools. All of these funding streams come with very specific spending criteria and reporting requirements. The proposed three-year E,P&O levy must be designated and reported to the state to be spent in non-basic education categories.
Levy funds are spent for the direct benefit of students. This efficient use of public funds ensures students receive individualized learning support, social-emotional guidance and growth, and access and opportunities to a variety of educational experiences. In fact, Evergreen has one of the lowest percentages of expenditures for administrative/central office support of peer districts, while spending a larger percentage of funds at the school level.
A Lower overall school Tax rate
This is not a new tax and if approved, it will lower your overall school tax rate. Evergreen is asking for a three year replacement levy at $1.70 per $1,000 of assessed value for all three years, which is the same as the current levy tax rate and it is a significantly lower tax rate than the one that was proposed on the February ballot. When coupled with the existing school-approved Bond measure and Technology Levy, this will lower the current local school tax rate from $3.79 per $1,000 of assessed property value to a projected $3.68, $3.48 and $3.48 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
Doesn’t the state pay for education?
Although the state of Washington has taken on more responsibility for paying for basic education, there are still funding gaps. This is why locally-approved levies are still authorized.
What pays for all the new school construction?
Bonds=Buildings; Levies = Learning
In 2018, voters approved a $695 million Capital Facilities Bond. This Bond funding pays for the construction and additions of 14 school buildings as well as numerous facility upgrades at more than two dozen schools. Nine of the facilities have already been completed and opened—on time and within budget—saving enough funds to add the replacement of Mill Plain Elementary to the project list. However, these Bond funds cannot be used to fund school operations or learning activities, while levy funds are not allowed to pay for facility or building work.
LEVY INFORMATIONAL FLIERS
EPS Finalized Levy Flier-EPO-Levy-Flier_8.5x11 (002).pdfEP&O-Levy-Flier_8.5x11_Russian (2).pdfEPO-Levy-Flier_8.5x11_Spanish (002) (1).pdfEVERGREEN BOARD APPROVES LEVY PROPOSALS FOR APRIL 2022 BALLOT
VOTER INFORMATION
REGISTER TO VOTE
Voter registration forms are available at all Evergreen Public Schools or online at: https://clark.wa.gov/elections/registering-vote.
Ballots are expected to be mailed April 8. Please expect them to arrive in your mailbox no later than April 14th.
Register in person at the Clark County Elections Office, 1408 Franklin St, Vancouver until April 26th
Starting April 19th, only in-person registrations are allowed to register and receive a ballot for the April 26th Election.
NOT SURE IF YOU ARE REGISTERED TO VOTE?
Click here to find out. VoteWA allows you to check your voter registration status, get your voters' guide and much more.
EXEMPTIONS:
Senior citizens and disabled persons may qualify for tax exemptions. For more information, contact the Clark County Assessor at: www.clark.wa.gov/assessor or taxreduction@clark.wa.gov or (564) 397-2391.