The Kent School District Board of Directors has approved a resolution placing a Replacement Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy before district voters on the November 3, 2026, election ballot. The resolution authorizes the submission of a ballot proposition asking voters whether the district may levy excess property taxes to provide funding for educational programs and operations that are not funded by the state.

According to the resolution, levy funds would support continued educational programs and operations of the district, including, but not limited to:

• College and career readiness staff and programs

• Physical, social, and emotional learning staff and programs, including mental health counselors and staff

• Materials, supplies, and operational costs, including utilities and insurance

• Student transportation

• Safety and security staff

• Athletic and extracurricular programs

• Elective courses and enrichment activities

• Classroom support programs

Superintendent Israel Vela said the Board's action allows voters to consider whether to continue local funding for programs and services identified in the resolution.

Since the McCleary decision and the closure of the McCleary case in 2018, the share of the state operating budget dedicated to K–12 education has declined from 51.6% to 43.2%. Local levy funding, such as the proposed Replacement Educational Programs and Operations Levy, remains one source of revenue used by school districts for programs, services, and operational costs not funded by the state.

Find additional information regarding the proposed levy, including funding details, estimated tax rates in the Replacement EP&O Levy Resolution 1718 and the Replacement EP&O Levy presentation the June 24 board meeting.