Levy 2024

A school levy is a local tax that helps pay for things that the state and federal budgets don't cover. This can include extracurricular activities, sports, and even some teacher salaries.

No, they're different! Levies are for everyday expenses like school supplies and teacher salaries. Bonds are for big projects like building a new school.

While levies do require a portion of taxes, in the Yakima School District, they are the replacement of an existing levy to invest in the education of the students in our community. “Stability and predictability.”

Schools rely on levies for important things that aren't covered by other funding. This includes special education, highly capable, dual language, newcomer, and other programs. Athletics, and even some teaching positions.

Levies help all students by making sure schools have what they need for a good education. This includes more traditional educational supports like books, buses, and more.

Most levies are for a set number of years. Voters have to say "yes" again to keep them going. In the Yakima School District, we typically run a replacement levy every four years.  The current levy runs through December of 2024.

Levy funds are separate and only go towards education. They don't take away from other community services.

Levies can also support athletics, arts, and other programs that make school more than just reading and math.

Funding for schools in different communities can vary greatly across Washington state based on many factors. A local levy is the only way a community can help fill the gaps and provide equal opportunities for all YSD students.

School budgets are carefully managed and audited. Levies are needed for essential items and programs that don't get enough funding from other sources.

While grants are helpful, they can't cover everything. They're often for specific projects and can't be relied upon for ongoing needs.

Levy funds are typically earmarked for specific uses like classroom materials, athletics, and essential staff, but not for top-level administrative salaries.

The teacher will get paid based on their experience and education. The state pays a majority portion of teacher salaries.

(For additional information on financial details, contact Jake Kuper, Chief Financial Officer, Yakima School District.)

Funds from levies are carefully planned for and are often audited to ensure they are used effectively. “Money spent on education is not wasteful.” 

If a levy fails, programs and resources may be cut, which can have a direct negative impact on students' education.

At the time of the vote, the taxes are set community-wide. The amount each taxpayer will pay is based on their home’s assessed value.  If your home's value increases or decreases, the levy amount could change for you, but the levied amount for the community as a whole remains fixed. The amount you pay for the school levy is stable unless a new levy is passed that changes the rate. “Good schools make home values better.”