2023 KSD Levies

  • Collage with students and staff

Levies Benefit All Students 

  • Like a subscription, local school levies must be renewed. Failure of either of these levies would mean significant reductions in staff and services that meet the needs of our students, including teaching and paraeducator positions, and our 1:1 student learning technology (laptops & tablets) program.  

    The replacement Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy is a three-year levy which is critical to funding the basic operations of the district. The Capital Projects and Technology levy is proposed to extend for four years. This means both levies will now be in alignment on the renewal calendar and will be up for reauthorization at the same time in 2027. This alignment saves taxpayers the extra expense of running multiple levies in alternate years. 

    While the proposed EP&O levy funds critical operational costs in our general fund, the proposed capital levy would provide the majority of funding for health and safety improvements, critical facility repairs, the 1:1 technology education program, and preschool program expansion opportunities over the next four years. 

Levy Resources

Learn more about the 2023 Levies

      Capital Projects & Technology Levy

      • Capital Projects & Technology Levy

        Proposition 2
        November 7, 2023

        4 years icon This levy would provide the majority of funding over the next four years for health and safety, critical repairs and improvements, program expansion, and technology education, including the continuation of 1:1 student laptops and tablets.

        The Capital Projects and Technology Levy would fund: 

        hand and heart iconHealth & Safety 

        These systems will play a critical role in student and staff safety and optimal air quality within schools. 

        • 23% of school facilities would receive healthy air and cooling system replacements 
        • Upgrading intrusion alarm systems at all schools and replacing fire alarm systems at 12% of our schools  
        • Adding a vestibule, which includes a safety access control outer entryway, at 14% of our elementary schools 

        Tech ED iconTechnology Education 

        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. 

        school house iconCritical 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 iconProgram 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 
         

      Replacement EP&O Levy

      • Educational Programs & Operations Levy

        Proposition 1
        November 7, 2023

        3 years iconDirectly pays for basic general classroom and operational needs such as student support, academic programs and classroom supports, athletics, activities, and enrichment programs not fully funded by the state. It funds nearly 15% of total operating revenue. This levy currently accounts for $74,000,000 in annual funding, including over $40,000,000 in salary costs not funded by the state. 

        The replacement EP&O Levy would fund: 

        student support iconStudent Support

        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. 

        academic programs icon Academic Programs and Classroom Supports

        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 

        Activities, Athletics and EnrichmentActivities, Athletics, and Enrichment

        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

      • 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). 

        The EP&O makes up approximately 15% of our general fund revenue. This includes over $40,000,000 in unfunded salary costs not covered by the state’s staffing formulas. The levy supports over 190 staff FTE (full-time equivalent) employees, including classroom teachers.  

        The capital fund balance used for critical health and safety, repairs and improvements, modernization, and new school buildings is almost fully funded by local levy dollars. Our capital fund balance is made up of 42% capital bonds, 53% capital levies, and 4% state and matching funds. 

        Failure of either of these levies would mean significant reductions in the above-mentioned services for students, programs, and staff, and an inability to continue our 1:1 student learning technology program. 

        • 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. 

        Educational Programs & Operations Levy

        • Levy year 2025, rate per $1,000 is $1.72, levy amount is $79,300,000 
        • Levy year 2026, rate per $1,000 is $1.72, levy amount is $82,300,000 
        • Levy year 2027, rate per $1,000 is $1.72, levy amount is $85,800,000

        Levy Year

        Rate Per $1,000

        Levy Amount

        2025

        $1.72

        $79,300,000

        2026

        $1.72

        $82,500,000

        2027

        $1.72

        $85,800,000

        Technology & Capital Levy

        • Levy year 2024, rate per $1,000 is $0.66, levy amount is $29,200,000 
        • Levy year 2025, rate per $1,000 is $1.32, levy amount is $60,900,000 
        • Levy year 2026, rate per $1,000 is $1.32, levy amount is $63,400,000 
        • Levy year 2027, rate per $1,000 is $1.32, levy amount is $65,900,000 

        Levy Year

        Rate Per $1,000

        Levy Amount

        2024

        $0.66

        $29,200,000

        2025

        $1.32

        $60,900,000

        2026

        $1.32

        $63,400,000

        2027

        $1.32

        $65,900,000

        Home Value Example 

        The local school district portion of property taxes of a home valued at $500,000 would be approximately $1,832, which would increase by about $62 or 3.5% from 2023. 

        Note: KSD tax estimates are aggregate projections based on estimates of future growth in property values and other factors. Tax bills for individual property owners will vary based on a variety of factors, including home improvements, area new construction, future fluctuation in values, and other factors. 

        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. 

        Contact

        For questions, email KSDLevy@kent.k12.wa.us
      • 44 Schools
      • 25,000+ Students
      • 3,800+ Staff
      Last Modified on Friday at 1:01 PM