Replacement Levy

Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy

Ballots Due: February 13, 2024

Quick Facts:

• NOT a new tax
• Significant tax DECREASE
• Funds critical programs/supports above and beyond our basic education funding

What is an EP&O Levy?

EP&O levy funds support programs and services that are above and beyond the basic education funding received from the State. Without EP&O funds, these programs and services may be reduced or eliminated entirely.

• This levy is NOT a new tax. The District is asking voters to replace the existing levy (passed in 2021) that expires at the end of 2024.
• Renewed every 2-4 years. The proposed EP&O levy will run from 2025-2028.
• Also known as a ‘replacement levy” or ‘maintenance and operations levy’.

What programs and services does the EP&O Levy Fund?

Thanks to years of community support, the levy pays for the following needs throughout our schools:

• Safe & Secure Schools (i.e. - School Resource Officer) 
• School Nurses & Counselors 
• Early Learning Programs 
• Technology Services 
• Advanced Course Offerings
• Dual Language
• Class Size Reduction 
• Special Education and other Student Support Services
• Extracurricular Opportunities (Athletics, Cheer, Band, Theater, etc)
• Transportation/Bus Fleet 
• Maintenance (Grounds and Facilities)
• Recruitment & Retention of Highly Qualified Staff 
• And so much more!

Levy Cost & Specifics

The proposed EP&O Levy is a replacement of the current EP&O levy (passed in 2021) that expires at the end of 2024. It is NOT A NEW TAX.

If this EP&O levy does not pass, what will happen?

• We would lose $6-7 million dollars of local funding (about 9% of our budget).
• We lose the additional State levy equalization (LEA) funding of approximately $2 million dollars (about 4% of our budget).
• We would have to cut and/or reduce programs/supports critical for student success and safety.

EAST VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 90

YAKIMA COUNTY, WASHINGTON

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

PROPOSITION NO. 1 - REPLACEMENT EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND OPERATION LEVY

Passage of this proposition would help East Valley School District pay educational programs and operation expenses not funded by the State, including teachers, nurses, support staff, curriculum, transportation, athletics, facility maintenance and operation. The proposed levy replaces an expiring levy.  Further information is available https://www.evsd90.org/.

The proposed four-year replacement levy would authorize collection of taxes to provide up to $5,968,508 in 2025, $6,410,956 in 2026, $6,822,238 in 2027 and $7,123,991 in 2028. The tax levy rate required to produce these amounts is estimated to be $1.84 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2025, $1.83 in 2026, $1.82 in 2027 and $1.81 in 2028.  With the capital levy expiring, the combined tax rate is expected to decrease by an estimated $0.83 in 2025.  The exact tax levy rates and amounts are subject to legal limits at the time of levy.  Exemptions from taxes may be available, call Yakima County Assessor (509)574-1100.

What local taxes do I pay for our schools?

Funding for our schools consist of a bond, capital projects levy, and the current EP&O levy:

• Bond Approved in 2015 and final payment 2031- Modernization and Expansion of East Valley High School;
• Capital Projects Levy Approved for 2023-2024 - Expand East Valley Central Commons/Cafeteria; and
• Current EP&O Levy Approved in 2021 and expires end of 2024. Funds programs above and beyond our basic education funding.

Please see the graph below for the combined tax rate if the EP&O levy is passed.

Tax Exemptions

Disabled persons, veterans with service-connected disabilities, and those 60 years of age or older may be eligible for tax relief. Call the Yakima County Assessor’s Office at 509-574-1100 for more information.