Learn about our Two Replacement Levies
UPDATE: Both of our levies, in the February 8, 2022 election, passed with over 59% voter approval! Renewing this funding ensures our schools will have the resources needed to continue exceptional support and student programs for the next four years – through 2026. On behalf of ALL of our students and staff, thank you, Snoqualmie Valley voters! We are grateful for your continued support.
Two Replacement Levies on the February 8, 2022 Ballot
Snoqualmie Valley School District levies fund essential programs/staff that are not covered by the state – programs that support student opportunities, excellence & career training, health & well-being, and technology for All SVSD students.
Every four years our district must renew school levies to continue vital programs and staff positions not covered by the state. Our current levies expire in 2022, so we’re asking the community to consider renewing two levies in the February 8 Special Election, needed to sustain funding for the next four years (2023-2026).
The state pays for “basic education,” which is just the basics. Our Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy supports vital student programs beyond “basic” like music, art, athletics, after-school clubs, electives and career exploration. One out of every five staff positions in our district is funded by the levy. This includes many counselors, nurses, specialized teachers, coaches and advisors, school security, and paraeducators as well as operational costs for these programs. Our Technology Levy covers about 80% of our district’s technology needs including hardware devices for all, tech staff, training, software and connectivity.
We offer some of the best educational programs and services on the Eastside, but our current levy generates $600 less per student ($4.3 million less overall) than our neighbors. Continuing to maintain our high-quality opportunities with an extremely competitive labor market, growing inflation and supply chain issues requires an adjustment to our levies – adjustments that many neighboring districts have already made. The two proposed replacement levies would bring our dollars per student up to close to the average of other districts in our region.
To make that adjustment, the combined school tax rate for the EP&O and Tech levies is estimated to be $2.21 per $1000 of assessed value (about $0.21 higher than it was in 2021). However, our combined local rate for schools (levies and bonds) will be close to the average of what it has been over the past decade, since our bond rate is going down.
Snoqualmie Valley families expect their children to receive an excellent education, enjoy rich learning opportunities and activities, and be served by staff who care for them as individuals. They also expect up-to-date and reliable technology for their students. Local levy funding is what makes that a reality.
VOTER REGISTRATION & KEY ELECTION DATES
- January 19 Ballots mailed to voters
- January 31 Online or mail-in voter registration deadline
- February 8 ELECTION DAY! Ballots must be postmarked or returned to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. No stamps are needed.
TAX RELIEF/EXEMPTIONS AVAILABLE
Qualifying senior citizens, persons with disabilities, veterans and widows of veterans may be exempt from paying school levies. Learn more here, or contact the King County Assessor for more information at 206-296-3920.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES