Bonds are the primary method used by Washington school districts to finance the "local share" of major capital projects because:
Cash is generated upfront.
Payments can be spread over time.
Districts have some control over taxpayer impacts.
New revenue created
Repaid with property taxes
Approved with a 60% yes vote, 40% validation
5% debt capacity
40-year maximum term (match useful life of asset)
May only be submitted to voters twice in a calendar year
Repaid with existing revenue
Can't be used for "new" construction
3/8 of 1% debt capacity
A public hearing is required if more than $250,000.
One to six-year collection cycle
Pay costs to construct, modernize, or remodel school facilities (including technology improvements)
Additional capital projects levy may be authorized for the same period (e.g., technology and new roof)
No interest cost
Possible life cycle mismatch
Simple majority (50% + 1)
If a capital projects levy fails, it may be resubmitted to voters only once in the same 12-month period.
Funds from bonds can only be used for the construction or renovation of buildings, major repairs, and land purchases; they cannot be used for basic education. Bond funds are generally collected over a 15 to 20-year period (similar to a home mortgage).
Maintenance and construction costs are not part of the state funding formula. Large projects regarding facilities can only be funded through a voter approved bond.
Bonds need to pass with more than 60% approval.
Levies make up the difference between funding from the state and federal government and the actual cost of operating a school district. Levies pay for teaching materials and equipment, bus transportation, building improvements (such as carpet replacement and interior painting) and vocational, athletic, drama, special education, and other special programs. Levy funds are typically collected over a four-year time period and must be renewed (similar to a magazine subscription).
Levies need to pass with more than 50% approval.
*In November of 2007, Engrossed House Joint Resolution 4204 was passed to change the threshold for voter approved Levies to pass at a simple majority (50%) rather than a supermajority. So any elections held prior to 2008 would have needed a 60% approval rate to pass.
November 7, 2023 | Replacement Byron Kibler/JJ Smith combined facility, Safety and Security upgrades district-wide, and Priority maintenance of existing facilities - Non-approved with 35.46% approval
February 14, 2023 | Replacement Byron Kibler Elementary with Birth to Five Center, New Ten Trails Elementary, Performing Arts Center, Athletic Complex, and Safety, Security, Educational Building, and District Asset Upgrades - Non-approved with 24.73% approval
No EP&O levies were non-approved from February 7, 2006, to the last levy on February 8, 2022.
Capital Levies
None, see Historical levy Data below.
EP&O Levies
None, see Historical levy Data below.
Transportation Vehicle Levies
None, see Historical levy Data below.
Previous bonds that we have digital resources for are listed and linked below.
February, 2020: Approved with 56.21% approval
Previous levies that we have digital resources for are listed and linked below.
