Wapato School District

No. If approved by voters the proposed Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Replacement Levy would simply replace and renew the current EP&O levy that expires at the end of 2026. It’s like renewing a subscription to a magazine or streaming service in order to keep getting it.

The state only pays for what it defines as “Basic Education.” Voters are often surprised by how “basic” the state funding really is. Much of what we take for granted and expect in schools is not covered under the state funding model. Some programs are “underfunded” by the state and others are not funded at all.

Yes. Voters in in the Wapato District have a long and strong history of supporting school levies and for nearly 30-years have consistently voted to pass them.

No.  The funding measure voters approved in February 2024 was a school construction BOND proposal which is being used to build a new PACE High School and a new, large, single elementary school to replace the Camas and Satus Elementary School buildings.

Bonds and Levies are different

Bonds are for Building: A bond provides funding for capital projects such as constructing new schools, purchasing property for schools or modernizing existing schools. Bonds are sold to investors who are repaid with interest over time from property tax collections, generally between 10-25 years.

Levies are for Learning: A levy is a short-term, local property tax passed by the voters of a school district that generates revenue for the district to fund programs and services that the state does not fund or fully fund as part of “basic education".

The proposal voters will consider renewing in February 2026 is a levy.

The EP&O Replacement Levy bridges the gap between what the state funds as “basic education” and the actual costs of student programs, staffing and school operations. If approved, the EP&O levy would continue paying for programs and services like:

• Teachers, Paraeducators, substitutes, and other support staff above state-funded levels
• Additional school nurses and health assistants
• School safety & security (both staffing and equipment)
• Technology for Instruction
• Extracurricular activities, athletics, music, clubs, etc.
• Instructional coaches and curriculum - to help educators continually improve their craft
• Additional counselors & Behavioral Health support
• Food services
• Materials, supplies and curriculum to support building operations and learning
• Learning Support Programs
• Textbooks & Teaching Materials

(the list above contains examples of levy supported services. This is not a comprehensive list)

It is estimated that the average rate per $1,000 of assessed property value property owners will pay each of the four years of the levy is $1.53.  See the examples below for an idea of estimated per month costs for propoerty owners. 

EXAMPLE #1

EXAMPLE #2

EXAMPLE #3