School districts are funded through state, local, and federal dollars, but there is currently a gap between what the state funds for K-12 education and what Cle Elum-Roslyn students need. The state of Washington does not fully fund basic education. The EP&O (Educational Programs and Operations) local levy fund comprises approximately 18% of our overall general fund.

Every four years, the district asks voters to consider renewing the EP&O Levy, which is a local education property tax. Renewal of this levy sustains the continuing excellence of our instructional programs.

What is an EP&O (Educational Programs and Operations) Levy?

Formerly referred to as the M&O Levy (Maintenance and Operations), the Educational Programs and Operations Levy is a legal term describing a local tax to support the routine running of schools. The EP&O Levy is used to support instructional resources such as lower class sizes, school nurses and counselors, textbooks, technology, transportation, and other educational programming.

Why is the current levy being replaced?

In 2020, voters replaced an expiring levy with a four year M&O levy that is now in effect through 2024.

When the levy passed in 2020, the advertised estimated tax rates per $1000 of assessed value that voters approved were higher than the actual collected amount (see chart). Now is the time to renew the local EP&O levy for four more years, beginning in 2025.

If the assessed valuation of the district increases, will my taxes increase?

NO. As total assessed value goes up district-wide, the rate per $1000 of assessed value (required to collect the levy) goes down, thus costing each taxpayer a lower rate.

How long does the levy last? What will it cost? And how much will be collected?

This is NOT a new levy or tax increase but replaces the expiring levy for another four year period.

If the total district assessed values go up, can the district collect more than the dollar amount specified?

NO. The district cannot collect more than the dollar amount shown above, because assessed property values have increased due to new construction, and the actual tax rates have decreased.

Will these advertised rates go down, as they have done during the current levy?

YES. If the assessed values increase by more than the moderate 2% growth rate factored into this levy, then the rates will go down.

I thought the state fully funded public education?

NO. According to the state constitution, funding our schools in the “paramount duty” of the state. While we are grateful for the increases that have been provided, the state still is not fully funding K-12 education. This creates a significant gap between what the state funds and what we need for our students.

Can the district ask for more than the total levy amount?

NO. Washington State recently changed how it helps fund schools. Some school districts saw a large increase in state funding, while others, like Cle Elum-Roslyn, did not. Under the new state law, total local levy authority is restricted. The amount that can be levied locally is based on and limited to student enrollment.

Didn’t we just pass a levy?

YES. In 2021, voters approved a capital project replacement levy. A Capital Project Levy is a another type of levy that school districts can ask their voters to approve that can only be used for facility improvements, repairs, technology infrastructure, and construction.

What have these EP&O Levy dollars funded for our students and schools?

These dollars support the gap in what the state funds and what we feel is necessary for comprehensive care and programming for our students in Cle Elum-Roslyn School District.

• Class Size Support: Smaller class sizes require the need to hire additional staffing.

• School Activities Beyond the School Day: After school programing, summer school, and Camp Waskowitz.

• Extracurricular Clubs, Activities and Athletics: All athletics, equipment, and extra-curricular activities are

  supported by local levy dollars including student clubs like FFA, Ski Club, FBLA, Knowledge Bowl, Robotics Club, Problem Solvers, Skills USA, and yearbook class.

• Fine Arts: Band, Choir, Missoula Children’s Theatre, and art for students K-12.

• Curriculum and Technology: New math and English language arts curriculum, one-on-one computer

  support, and technology staffing.

• Student Supports: Levy dollars support additional student supports like nurses, mental health

  counselors, guidance counselors, administrative assistants, substance abuse prevention, school safety and security, early learning support, and para/instructional assistants. Levy funds contribute to the support of highly capable students and multi-language learners. Substitute teachers, drivers, food service and

  custodians are funded through the levy.

• Professional Development: Levy dollars support professional development of teachers, para/instructional assistants, administrative assistants, administrators and coaches.

Are there tax exemptions for senior citizens and persons with disabilities?

YES. If you are a senior citizen or are disabled, Washington has two programs that may help you with your property taxes and/or special tax assessments, such as the school levy. Contact Kittitas County Assessor’s office website for more information.