Providing students with devices such as laptops or tablets allows for personalized learning experiences and equips students with the digital skills they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. With the constant evolution of technology and the increasing reliance on digital resources, it is essential for the district to prioritize the protection of sensitive student and staff information. 

• Continuation of 1:1 learning technology; this means laptops/tablets for students 
• Adaptive learning technology for students receiving Special Education  
• Connectivity for anytime, anywhere learning 
• Interactive presentation, projection, and audio technology
• Instructional technology for teachers, paraeducators, and school support staff along with professional development to support our students
• Infrastructure, software, and staffing that support the daily learning and working activities of the KSD technology program.
• Expansion of cybersecurity, software licensing and staff supports for the protection of sensitive data. 

Critical Repairs & Improvements 

By prioritizing critical repairs and improvements, we are demonstrating our commitment to provide an environment that allows students to thrive and excel. 

• Critical boiler replacements 
• New flooring at nearly 20% of our schools 
• New synthetic sports fields at our high schools; this is also a safety issue 

Program Expansion 

This initiative aims to provide equal opportunities for children to receive quality early education and play in a safe and inclusive environment. 

• Preschool programs at all elementary schools (except River Ridge & Covington, our newest schools) 
• Accessible and inclusive playground equipment at every elementary school 

All students should be given the same opportunities regardless of their abilities, backgrounds, or family income. This funding will ensure all students in Kent School District have the same opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed. 

• Over 190 (FTE) positions, including classroom teachers and classroom aides. 
• 75% of our safety and security personnel; the state only provides funding for 25% of these positions to meet the safety and security needs of our students and staff at our 44 school sites.
• Nearly 20 (FTE) positions above the state allocation formula for school health & support services (including nurses, social workers, & psychologists) to meet the unique health and social emotional needs of our 25,000+ students. 
• Levy dollars support every employee group. All employee groups in KSD are paid a more competitive wage than what the state legislature’s salary allocations support.  The difference is made up through local levy funds. 

These programs are vital to maintaining the high quality of education our students deserve and will help ensure that every student receives an inclusive and comprehensive education. 

• Smaller Class Sizes
• 30% of our total Special Education costs
• Highly Capable and Multilingual Program staff
• Curriculum materials & professional development for teachers
• Advanced coursework such as Advanced Placement 

This funding would help sustain these programs, ensuring students have opportunities to explore their interests and talents both in and out of the classroom. 

• Student athletics and activities, including coaches and advisors
• Music and arts programs, including our performing arts centers
• STEM – Science, Tech-focused, and Math programs to prepare students for our region’s high-tech employers offering high-wage jobs 

Cost to Taxpayers 

The total tax authorization sought by these levies is designed to be conservative, and sensitive to the needs of taxpayers. Accordingly, the resulting total tax rate is projected to decline slightly over the course of the levies, and the total dollar amount to be collected is projected to increase modestly each year consistent with inflation (about 3.5% per year). 

• Kent School District spends an average of $17,749.77 per student. (per year)  
• A stable tax collection for our community that also addresses the educational needs of our students was a primary goal of planning the levies for the November 7, 2023, election.  
• Overall combined school levy tax rate is expected to stay flat or decline slightly. 
• For the full-term of the levies, property taxes are estimated to increase on average by 3.5% per year, consistent with inflation. 

To help voters understand the impact of tax measures on their property tax rate, as well as their final tax bill, King County has developed some helpful resources. 

• Calculates the estimated cost of property tax measures for each piece of property within the taxing district proposing the tax measure.  
• Voters can look up the properties they own. 
• Includes a link to the King County Elections website where voters can review the language of the ballot measures.