Replacement Educational Program & Operations Levy and a Capital Improvement Levy for Security, Technology & Safety
February 11, 2025
Finley School District is proposing a replacement Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy and a Capital Levy for Safety, Security and Educational Technology Improvements to be placed on the Feb. 11, 2025 Special Election ballot. Both measures will impact students and staff across all Finley schools and grade levels. Because the full cost of operating schools is higher than the funding provided by the state, many school districts rely on local levies to bridge this gap in funding.
How are your levy dollars used in Finley?
- Athletics
- Transportation for sporting events
- Coaches
- Equipment
- Officials
- Includes Varsity, JV and C teams for athletics at the high school
- Includes all teams for 7th and 8th grade sports
- Extracurriculars, Activities & Clubs
- Advisors
- Drama Club, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), Pep Band, Fellowship with Christian Athletes (FCA), Destination Imagination and Honor Society
- Art and Band teacher salaries
- Instructional Supplies & Curriculum
- Technology Equipment & Services
- Maintenance & Operations
- Custodians
- Buildings and grounds
- Utilities
- Staffing & Student Support
- School Nurses
- Secretaries
- Learning support paraprofessionals
FACTS & FIGURES
How much will the EP&O Levy cost?
The total collection amount for the proposed EP&O Levy is $4.47 million, which would be collected over a two-year period: $2,205,163 in 2026 and $2,260,292 in 2027. The estimated tax rate is $2.50 per $1,000 assessed property value, beginning in 2026. It is important to remember that if property values rise, the tax rate is adjusted downward. The district cannot collect more than the amounts listed above and approved by the voters.
| $200,000 |
$28.50 per month |
$41.67 per month |
+ $13.17 per month |
| $400,000 |
$57.00 per month |
$83.33 per month |
+ $26.33 per month |
| $600,000 |
$85.50 per month |
$125.00 per month |
+ $39.50 per month |
Why is tax rate shown above an estimate?
In Finley School District, the proposed Levy rate on the Feb. 11, 2025 ballot measure #1 is $2.50 in 2026 and 2027, and ballot measure #2 is $ 0.23. Due to rising property values, voters often never end up paying the proposed ballot rate. The chart below shows the ballot rates of $2.25 and $2.27 per thousand in 2024 and 2025 years, but the actual payment from the voters valued at $1.70.
If the EP&O Levy passes the district will receive matching money from the state.
If the EP&O Levy passes, and only if it passes, the district will receive additional matching money from the state at a rate of $0.19 per every $1 raised. That means the district will receive
an additional $421,428 in state matching funds if the levy passes.
How much of the district's budget comes from the EP&O Levy?
Local levy dollars, combined with the state matching funds account for approximately
12% of Finley School District’s annual budget.
What happens if voters do not approve the 2025 levy?
The current projected shortfall without Levy or state match for the 25-26 school year is $2.9 million. We are anticipating making some reductions with the passing of the EP&O levy. If voters do not approve the 2025 EP&O levy, the district will need to identify approximately $2 million dollars of budget reductions for the 25-26 school year.
The EP&O Levy currently pays for 1.5 administrators, 2 teachers, 2.5 secretaries, 3.5 custodians, 0.5 maintenance and 8 paraeducators in staffing.
The state matching funds pay for programs like band, choir, art, athletics, agriculture, SADD, tutoring, curriculum and books, the yearbook, Buddy Club and drama.
What the EP&O Levy and state matching funds paid for during the 2023-24 school year...
| $677,083.16 |
District wide services - Safety, technology and utilities |
| $479,706.65 |
Programs - Band, choir, art, agriculture, SADD, drama, tutoring, Buddy Club and Drama |
| $436,846.04 |
Athletics - Travel, officials, equipment and coaches |
| $42,710.34 |
Curriculum and books |
| $11,574.96 |
Library supplies and materials |
Where does school funding come from?
The primary sources of school funding for Washington’s public schools come from state and federal grants, state funding, and local levies and bonds.
Finley School District 2023-2024 Revenue Sources:
| State Basic Education Funding |
$8,633,872 |
| State Grants |
$3,576,375 |
| Federal Grants |
$1,577,938 |
Local EP&O Levy
|
$1,453,679 |
| State Matching Funds |
$379,604 |
What is a Capital Levy for Safety, Security & Educational Technology Improvements and why is the district asking for this?
Technology upgrade costs have grown exponentially. Preparing students for a modern technological world requires access to efficient technology. Student chrome books, wi-fi access points, servers, firewall, switches, and security cameras all need to be upgraded and are past their recommended usage life. The expected revenue from the state for technology is $140,641.06. Current replacement projections for upgrades more than double the current revenue and the gap is widening.
What is the proposed rate for the Capital Levy?
The proposed rate for the Capital Levy is $0.23 per $1,000 of assessed property value. It would be collected in 2026 and 2027.
| $200,000 |
$3.83 per month |
| $400,000 |
$7.67 per month |
| $600,000 |
$11.50 per month |
What will the Capital Levy pay for?
Several pieces of infrastructure hardware are in need of replacement including: firewall, wi-fi access points, switches, servers, security cameras, security systems and staff and student replacement devices - i.e. Chromebooks and laptops.
Why do we need a Capital Levy in addition to our EP&O Levy?
The Educational Programs and Operations Levy is capped with a "levy lid" at $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed value. This revenue falls short of the financial need to keep the school district running at current levels. By adding a Capital Levy for Safety, Security and Educational Technology we are able to get closer to current operating levels.
Can voters approve on levy proposal and not the other?
Both propositions will require their own yes or no vote on the ballot. You can approve one and not the other.
Is there a tax break for senior citizens?
Yes! Washington State law provides two tax benefit programs for senior citizens and individuals who are disabled - property tax exemptions and property tax deferrals. For more information on qualifications, please contact the Benton County Assessor's Office at (509) 786-5620.
Still have questions?
If you have any questions or concerns regarding Finley's levy propositions, please feel free to contact our district office at (509) 586-3217.