info@washougal4schools.org
Time to Vote
The election date is Feb. 11th, 2020.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

On Tuesday, April 25, voters are asked to approve two levies, an Educational Programs & Operations levy and a Capital levy.

A YES vote funds vital school staff and the programs that support our kids.

Are these new taxes?

NO! a YES vote will not increase your tax rate. The levies are set at $1.99 and $0.21 per 1000, which is LOWER than what voters said YES to in 2020.

Why do we need local levies, doesn’t the state fully fund education? 

NO!  The state funds “basic” education, which does not provide enough funding to keep class sizes low.  Also, the “basic” education does not include sports, arts, clubs and activities, things that the Washougal community has identified as priorities for our kids. “Basic” funding also doesn’t pay for keeping our schools in great shape.

What happens if the levies fail a second time? 

We’re working hard to make sure that our YES voters get out and vote to avoid a double-levy failure.  The reality is that there would be huge cuts to just about every program.  The two levies provide about 20% of all district funding.  Losing these important resources would mean nearly 20% of positions would be impacted, and there would be cuts to the arts, sports, clubs that our kids engage in.  It would also jeopardize the great programs that support our schools and community.  You can learn more about the proposed cuts needed if the levy fails again on the district’s website.

What will it cost me?

The levies are set at $1.99 and $0.21 per 1000, which is LOWER than what voters said YES to in 2020. The rates are set to keep taxes stable and consistent for the three years it will be in effect.

The Capital Levy increases from 2024 to 2025, why wouldn’t that increase my taxes?

The district bond payments include a couple “step downs” where payments drop off.  The Capital levy increases when the bond decreases, which keeps the tax stable and consistent.

What does the EP&O levy pay for?

ENHANCED PROGRAMS & OPERATIONS LEVY

Washougal voters will be asked to consider a replacement Enhanced Programs and Operations Levy (EP&O) to fund services and operations not funded by the state or federal government.  These services include:

  • Instructional Support
    • Librarians, secretaries, paraeducators, textbooks, curriculum, food service, AVID program, community programs including Spanish Speaking Family Nights, preschool, and the Drug Free Communities grant match
  • Student Learning & Staffing
    • Art & music, Advanced Placement, Highly Capable Program, professional development & training, substitute teachers, classified staff substitutes, special education teachers and support staff, English Language Learner support, teachers above state funded levels to keep class sizes lower
  • Athletics & Activities
    • School athletics, coaches, advisors, performing arts programs, extra-curricular activities, transportation
  • Operations & Maintenance
    • Custodians, grounds staff, maintenance staff, utilities, supplies, equipment, fuel, vehicles
  • Health & Safety
    • Security staff, counselors, nurses, Family Community Resource Coordinators

The EP&O Levy will be assessed at $1.99 per thousand of assessed value for tax years 2024, 2025, and 2026.  The levy is projected to generate $9,500,000 in 2024, $10,500,000 in 2025, and $11,500,000 in 2026.

EPO Levy Supports 7% Instructional Support, 43% Student Learning and Staffing, 11% athletics and activities, 28% operations and maintenance, 11% health & safety, on a chart that is shaped like a school house with clock, trophy, flag, and book, light bulb, heart, and sprocket icons for each area

If the replacement EP&O Levy is approved, Washougal will expand its educational offerings so the district can know, nurture, and challenge all students to rise!  Starting in 2025, levy funds will:

  • Increase Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) opportunities
  • Increase visual and performing arts opportunities

What does the Capital Levy Pay for?

Technology Levy dollars pay for the district’s 1:1 initiative, up-to-date computers and devices, classroom instructional technology, professional development and coaching, technology infrastructure and staffing, and digital curriculum and software.

Starting in 2025, as bond collections decrease, the proposed Capital Levy will increase by a corresponding amount to fund some additional projects. If approved, the Capital levy would be assessed at $0.21 per thousand of assessed value for tax year 2024, $0.84 per thousand in 2025, and $0.85 in tax year 2026.  The levy would collect $950,000 in 2024, $3,950,000 in 2025, and $4,150,000 in tax year 2026.

The additional funds would be used to replace the roof at Washougal High School, improve security at our schools, improve ADA access for main entrances, update carpet and vinyl flooring in schools, and install more efficient heating systems and controls.

It has been 25 years since most of our schools were last remodeled. These additional projects planned within the Capital Levy will help us preserve the community’s investment in great school facilities, and help ensure these schools last to serve another generation of Washougal’s students.

How does the Washougal Levy compare to other schools?

A YES vote on these levies would put Washougal’s rates about in the middle of local districts in our area.

How do I register to vote?

Register online through April 17: myvote.wa.gov
Or register in person before April 25:
Clark County: 1408 Franklin, Vancouver, WA
Skamania County: 240 NW Vancouver Ave, Stevenson, WA

How can I help?

First, make sure that you are registered to vote, and that you vote YES to support kids and schools!  If you’d like to volunteer with our campaign, and help share how levies matter to you and your kids, visit our get involved page.