Educational Programs & Operations Levy
Vote by Feb. 14, 2023
WHY A LEVY?
Kennewick School District ran two previous Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) levies in February and April 2022. Both failed to pass. The district lost $34 million in funding for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 school years, including $20 million in local levy revenue and $14 million in Local Effort Assistance (LEA), which is revenue provided to school districts that pass their local levies.
To avoid significant cuts to staffing and programs for the 2022-23 school year, the district is filling the funding gaps by leaving vacant staffing positions unfilled, making non-staffing budget reductions, tapping into one-time ESSER COVID relief funding, and using the district’s fund balance.
The EP&O levy addresses critical needs in our schools to support the kids in our community. Good schools have a positive effect on the entire Kennewick community: they improve neighborhoods, support families and increase the value of our homes.
Because the EP&O levy is crucial in providing staffing and programs that support student success, Kennewick School District will run a levy election on Feb. 14, 2023.
LEVY SUPPORTed positions
The EP&O Levy provides funding for staffing that is not provided by the state, including:
Health & Safety - $5.2 million
- Middle & High School Resource Officers (SROs)
- NEW: Add 3 Additional Middle School SROs
- NEW: Add Elementary Safety Officers
- Security Staff
- Nurses
- Psychologists
- Drug & Alcohol Prevention
- Crosswalk Safety
Student Learning & Staffing - $14.7 million
- Graduation Success Coordinators
- Advanced Placement
- International Baccalaureate
- Special Education Support
- Professional Development & Training
- Dual Language
- Librarians
- Substitute Teachers
Instructional Support - $27.6 million
- Secretaries
- Paraeducators
- Classified Substitutes
- Curriculum
Operations & Maintenance - $4.5 million
- Custodians
- Grounds & Maintenance Workers
- Transportation
Athletics & Activities - $3.9 million
- Extracurricular Activities and Athletics
- Coaches
- Advisors
LEVY AMOUNTS
Voters will be asked to decide on a three-year levy with the following amounts:
2024
$23,000,000
($1.73 est. tax rate)
2025
$23,850,000
($1.68 est. tax rate)
2026
$24,700,000
($1.63 est. tax rate)
Levy Calculator
What is the assessed value of your Property?
| Year | Rate per $1,000 | Annual Estimated Tax |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Levy Amount | $1.73 | $432.50 |
| 2025 Levy Amount | $1.68 | $420.00 |
| 2026 Levy Amount | $1.63 | $407.50 |
Tax Scenarios
2024 Levy Amount - $23,000,000
| Assessed Value | AV (in Thousands) x the Levy Rate | Estimated Tax |
| $250,000 | 250 X $1.73 | $432.50 |
| $350,000 | 350 X $1.73 | $605.50 |
| $400,000 | 450 X $1.73 | $692 |
2025 Levy Amount - $23,850,000
| Assessed Value | AV (in Thousands) x the Levy Rate | Estimated Tax |
| $250,000 | 250 X $1.68 | $420 |
| $350,000 | 350 X $1.68 | $588 |
| $400,000 | 450 X $1.68 | $672 |
2026 Levy Amount - $24,700,000
| Assessed Value | AV (in Thousands) x the Levy Rate | Estimated Tax |
| $250,000 | 250 X $1.63 | $407.50 |
| $350,000 | 350 X $1.63 | $570.50 |
| $400,000 | 450 X $1.63 | $733.50 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happens if the levy does not pass?
- What tax relief/exemption or deferral programs are available for senior citizens, disabled people and low-income homeowners?
What happens if the levy does not pass?
What tax relief/exemption or deferral programs are available for senior citizens, disabled people and low-income homeowners?
HOW TO VOTE
Ballots will be mailed on Jan. 25. Return your ballot by mail (postmarked by Feb. 14) or by drop box or in-person by 8 p.m. on Feb. 14 at:
- Benton County Drive Up Voting Center, 2618 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Richland
- Kennewick City Hall, 210 W. 6th Ave., Kennewick
BONDS = BUILDINGS
Bonds require a 60 percent (super-majority) voter approval to pass.
LEVIES = LEARNING
Levies require a 50 percent (simple-majority) voter approval to pass.
