Levies are for Learning
Election Day February 12, 2019
Education Programs & School Support Levy and Capital Levy
Local levies support education programs and school facilities that the state does not fully fund:
Education Programs and School Support (EP&SS)
- Maritime and Place-Based Learning
- Music and the Arts
- Libraries
- Teachers and Staff
- Nutrition and Wellness
- Professional Development
- Special Education
- Sports and Student Activities
- Facilities Operations
Capital Projects
- Student Technology
- Safety and Security
- Complete ADA Access at the High School
- Finish Vision for Salish Coast Campus
The proposed levies will replace the current levy.
Levy Rate per $1000 of Assessed Value
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. Will my local taxes go up with two levies?
A. The combined rate of the Education Programs and School Support Levy and the Capital Levy will be the same as the rate you paid in 2018. In 2019 there is a reduction in local taxes due to levy restrictions brought about by the McCleary decision. Voters will see an increase with the combined levies in 2020 as the rate is restored to 2018 levels.
Q. Does the state fully fund basic education after the McCleary case ruling?
A. The state has increased school funding, which has primarily provided for increased school district employee compensation, but many basics are still not covered by state funding. This includes heating, electricity, staffing, and enrichment and co-curricular activities, which are essential to a high quality education in Port Townsend. The proposed levy rate reflects the new state legislation limiting local school district levy rates. Port Townsend School District is limited to collecting no more than $2500 per student for our Education Program and School Support Levy.
Proposed Levy Rates
Year |
EP&SS Levy |
Capital Levy |
Combined Rate |
2020 |
$1.08 |
$0.45 |
$1.53 |
2021 |
$1.12 |
$0.42 |
$1.54 |
2022 |
$1.15 |
$0.40 |
$1.55 |
Rate per $1000 of assessed value.
Q. How is this different from the school bond?
A. The school bond that voters passed in 2016 allowed the school district to finance the cost of construction primarily of Salish Coast Elementary, and to pay that over 20 years. The two levies on the February 2019 ballot will pay for day to day school operations and smaller capital projects not covered by the bond.
Q. How do these levies affect senior citizens?
A. Senior and disabled persons who meet certain income requirements may qualify for an exemption from these levies. Contact the Jefferson County Assessor’s Office for more information, 360-385-9105.