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2026 Levies

Local Levies Make the Difference for Warden Students

Appearing on this coming February 10, 2026, election ballot will be the Warden School District Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy and Capital Levy for Safety, Security, and Instructional Technology Improvements (ITI). These levies will replace WSD’s current levies which were approved by voters in 2024 and are now up for renewal. Neither is a new tax. If approved, the levy funds will be used to support school programs, services, and school modernization projects not fully funded by the state.

What is a Levy and Why Are They Necessary?

The primary sources of funding for Washington’s public schools come from federal, state, and local community (levy and bond) funding. State funding covers what’s considered “basic education,” which often does not fully cover the actual needs and costs of a school district. 

That’s where local levies come in. Levies are locally approved funding measures based on property values that bridge the gap between what the state funds and what it costs to run a school district.

Replacement Levy Quick Facts

  • Both proposed two-year levies are replacements for existing voter-approved levies that expire at the end of 2026. They are not new taxes.
  • The EP&O Levy pays for athletics, staffing, instructional materials, transportation, facility maintenance, food service, and more
    • The total collection amount for the proposed replacement EP&O levy will be $2,158,097 in 2027 and $2,313,210 in 2028.
    • The estimated tax rate per $1,000 of assessed property value will be $2.40 in 2027 and $2.45 in 2028.
    • In addition, the district will receive an additional estimated $1,101,121 from the state in state matching funds, also known as Local Effort Assistance (LEA). The district ONLY receives this funding if the levy is approved by voters.
  • The Capital Levy pays for capital improvements related to safety, security, and technology, such as repairs and improvements to asphalt, sidewalk, fencing, and buildings, and instructional technology equipment and infrastructure for students and staff.
    • The total collection amount for the proposed replacement capital levy will be $377,667 in 2027 and $396,550 in 2028.
    • The estimated tax rate per $1,000 of assessed property value will be $0.42 in both 2027 and 2028.
  • Local levy funding makes up approximately 9.74% of the Warden School District’s annual budget.

  • The proposed two-year Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy replaces the existing levy approved by the Warden School District voters in February 2024, sustaining education programs and activities not funded by state or federal dollars. If approved by voters, the levy would provide $2,158,097 in 2027 and $2,313,210 in 2028.

    The replacement EP&O Levy represents approximately 9.74% of the Warden School District’s Operating Budget, not including Local Effort Assistance (LEA) state-match dollars. 

    In addition, the district will receive an estimated $1,101,121 of Local Effort Assistance (LEA) funding from the state if the levy passes. Districts must pass a local levy in order to be eligible to receive LEA funding.

    What Does the EP&O Levy Fund?

    The replacement levy will continue to fund programs and services traditionally supported by the expiring levy, including:

    • Athletics (funded entirely through Educational Programs and Operations levy funds);
    • Extracurricular activities and student clubs;
    • Non-funded and under-funded staff, including teachers, counselors, nurses, paraeducators, and librarians;
    • Early learning programs;
    • Curriculum and instructional material updates;
    • Breakfast and lunch services
    • Maintenance and transportation services and related improvements; and
    • Utilities, insurance, and other essential district operating costs.

    How will the Proposed Levy Affect Tax Rates?

    Proposed estimated rates and total collection amounts for the two-year levy (2027-2028) are as follows:

    Year Rate (per $1,00 assessed property value) Total Levy Collection
    2025 $2.20 $1,709,400
    2026 $2.30 $1,876,455
    2027 $2.40 $2,157,097
    2028 $2.45 $2,313,210

    If the levy passes, Warden School District will be eligible to receive additional Local Effort Assistance (LEA) funding from the state. This funding is only received if the levy passes.

  • The proposed two-year Capital Levy for Safety, Security, and Instructional Technology Improvements replaces the existing capital levy approved by the Warden School District voters in February 2024. The proposed levy would provide $377,667 in 2027 and $396,550 in 2028.

    What Does the Capital Levy Fund?

    The replacement levy will provide funding to enhance safety, security, and facility improvements throughout district school facilities and to support the continued modernization of school technology equipment, infrastructure, and facilities through:

    • Safety and security improvements, including controlled access systems, security cameras, emergency communications, and related safety upgrades;
    • Technology improvements, including student and staff devices, instructional technology, classroom equipment, and learning software;
    • Network and infrastructure upgrades, including servers, wiring, wireless systems, cybersecurity, and data systems;
    • Facility improvements and maintenance, including building systems, repairs, and upgrades necessary to maintain safe, functional, and efficient learning environments;
    • Replacement and modernization of aging equipment, furniture, and fixtures; and
    • Other related improvements necessary to support district operations, safety, and educational programs.

    How will the Proposed Levy Affect Tax Rates?

    This proposed two-year Capital Projects Levy has an estimated tax rate of $0.42 per $1,000 assessed property value in 2027 and 2028. Proposed rates and total collection amounts are as follows:

    Year Rate (per $1,000 assessed property value) Total Levy Collection
    2025 $0.20 $155,400
    2026 $0.20 $163,170
    2027 $0.42 $377,667
    2028 $0.42 $396,550

     

When is Election Day?
Election day is February 10, 2026. Ballots will arrive by mail on or about January 21.
 
Are Tax Exemptions Available?
Yes! Low-income senior citizens and disabled adults may qualify for tax exemptions. Contact your local county assessor’s office for more information and to see if you qualify.
 
Where can the Voter's Pamphlet be found?
The Grant County Voter's Pamphlet for the upcoming election can be found on the Grant County site.
 
Where to register to vote?
Washington Residents may register to vote with the Washington State Secretary of State.
 
How to check Washington State Voter Registration Status?
Washington Residents may check registration status at VoteWA.

Need more information about these levies?

For more information contact: 

Marc Brouillet, Superintendent 
mbrouillet@warden.wednet.edu
(206) 349-2366

or
 
Kassandria Rouleau, Director of Finance
krouleau@warden.wednet.edu
(509) 349-2366
 
Para mas informacion contacte: 

Ana Rodríguez, Asistente Administrativa
arodriguez@warden.wednet.edu
(509) 349-2366

  • Warden School District’s 2-year EP&O levy was approved by voters in February 2024.

    The proposed levy replaces an existing levy approved by the Warden School District voters in February 2022. If approved by voters, the levy would provide up to $1,709,400 in 2024 and $1,876,455 in 2026. The replacement Educational Programs and Operation Levy represents approximately 7.4% of the Warden School District’s Operating Budget not including Local Effort Assistance (LEA) dollars, if the levy passes. An estimated $748,000 of LEA funding from the State of Washington WILL ONLY be available if this levy passes. The local levy sustains education programs and activities not funded by state and federal dollars. 

    The Replacement Educational Programs & Operation Levy is a two-year levy that funds programs and services not funded by state or federal resources. The replacement levy will continue to be used to fund programs that the expiring Educational Programs and Operation Levy has traditionally supported:

    • Athletics (Athletics are 100% funded by EP&O dollars)
    • Non-Funded and under-funded staff
    • Early Learning Programs
    • Curriculum updates
    • Nutrition Services
    • Maintenance and Transportation services and improvements
    • Utilities and Insurance

    How will the Proposed Levy Affect Tax Rates?

    The proposed two-year Replacement Educational Programs & Operations Levy keeps tax rates near $2.20 per $1,000 like the levy being replaced for 2024 with 2026 going up to $2.30 per $1000 in 2026. Proposed rates and total collection amounts are as follows:

    Year Rate per $1,000 Levy Collection
    2025 $2.20 $1,709,400*
    2026 $2.30 $1,876,455*

    *EP&O projection, assumes 5% assessed valuation growth, $2.20 tax rate in 2025 and $2.30 in 2026. $2.20 tax rate remains unchanged from 2024. $2.30 tax rate is a $0.10/$1,000 increase from $2.20 in 2025.

    While state law legally allows school districts to collect a higher rate per $1,000 of an assessed property value ($2.50), this may place undue hardship on the community. Consistent with 2023, Warden School District asks voters to consider a replacement levy at a rate of only $2.20 per $1,000 for 2025 with a $0.10 per $1,000 increase for 2026. The belief being striking a balance between minimizing the burden on local taxpayers and ensuring continued eligibility for Local Effort Assistance (LEA) funding. If the levy passes, Warden School District will be eligible to receive additional state levy equalization funds but only if the levy passes.

  • Warden School District’s two-year Capital Levy was approved by voters in February 2024.

    This is also a replacement two-year levy supporting the continued modernization of school facilities by making certain instructional technology improvements (ITI). The proposed levy would provide up to $155,400 in 2025 and $163,170 in 2026 for the Capital Projects Fund intended to support district initiatives by:

    1. Preparing students for college and career readiness through access to online learning, educational technologies, and high quality digital content; driving student achievement.
    2. Creating a fully technology-proficient Pre-K - 12 educator workforce.
    3. Providing equitable access to current and emerging technologies for all students and educators and expanding opportunities for parents, families, and the community.

    The Replacement Capital Levy for Instructional Technology Improvements is a two-year levy that funds programs and services not funded by state or federal resources. The replacement levy will continue to be used to fund programs that the expiring levy has supported:

    • 1:1 Student Device Initiative.
    • Modernizing instructional technology equipment and infrastructure.
    • Providing student and staff training.
    • Supporting the application and implementation new technology.
    • Replacing and/or upgrading computer hardware and software.
    • Replacing and/or upgrading telecom systems.
    • Other improvements to district technology equipment per the School Board.

    How will the Proposed Levy Affect Tax Rates?

    This proposed two-year Capital Projects Levy keeps tax rates near $0.20 per $1,000 as in 2023. Proposed rates and total collection amounts are as follows:

    Year Rate per $1,000 Levy Collection
    2025 $0.20 $155,400*
    2026 $0.20 $163,170*

    *Capital Levy for ITI projection, assumes 5% assessed valuation growth, $0.20 tax rate. $0.20/$1,000 tax rate remains unchanged.

  • Local Levies Make the Difference for Warden Students

    Appearing on this coming February, 8 2022 election ballot will be the WSD Educational Programs & Operations Levy, along with the Capital Levy for Instructional Technology Improvements (ITI). Funding from sources like the EP&O and the Capital Levy for ITI are increasingly more important now that education continues shifting in response to challenges presented by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Funding from sources like the EP&O Levy and Capital Levy ITI help ensure that the Warden School District can adapt to a changing world and best prepare WSD students to meet life's challenges, both old and new.

    Replacement Levy Facts & Information

    The Warden School District is asking voters to consider a Replacement Educational Programs & Operations Levy and Capital Levy for Instructional Technology Improvements (ITI) February, 8 2022. The proposed two-year levies are not a new tax, but simply the continuation of existing voter-approved levies that expire in 2022.

    What is a Levy?

    A levy is a locally approved funding measure that bridges the gap between what the state funds and what it costs to run a school district. An easy way to remember what levies are used for is to remember "levies are for learning" and "bonds are for building".

     

    Educational Programs & Operations Levy
    The proposed levy replaces an existing levy approved by the Warden School District voters in November 2020. If approved by voters, the levy would provide up to $1,259,710 in 2023 and $1,322,696 in 2024. The replacement Educational Programs and Operation Levy represents approximately 5.72% of the Warden School District’s Operating Budget not including Local Effort Assistance (LEA) dollars, if the levy passes. An estimated $660,000 of LEA funding from the State of Washington WILL ONLY be available if this levy passes. The local levy sustains education programs and activities not funded by state and federal dollars. 
     

    The Replacement Educational Programs & Operation Levy is a two-year levy that funds programs and services not funded by state or federal resources. The replacement levy will continue to be used to fund programs that the expiring Educational Programs and Operation Levy has traditionally supported:

    • Athletics (Athletics are 100% funded by EP&O dollars)
    • Non-Funded and under-funded staff
    • Early Learning Programs
    • Curriculum updates
    • Nutrition Services
    • Maintenance and Transportation services and improvements
    • Utilities and Insurance

    How will the Proposed Levy Affect Tax Rates?

    The proposed two-year Replacement Educational Programs & Operations Levy keeps tax rates near $2.20 per $1,000, up from $2.00 per $1000 in 2022. Proposed rates and total collection amounts are as follows:

     

     

    Year Rate per $1,000 Levy Collection
    2023 $2.20 $1,259,710*
    2024 $2.20 $1,322,696*

    *EP&O projections assume 5% AV Growth, $2.20 tax rate.


    While state law legally allows school districts to collect a higher rate per $1,000 of an assessed property value ($2.50), this may place undue hardship on the community. Warden School District asks voters to consider a replacement levy at a rate of only $2.20 per $1,000, balancing between minimizing the burden on local taxpayers and ensuring continued eligibility for Local Effort Assistance (LEA) funding. If the levy passes, Warden School District will be eligible to receive additional state levy equalization funds but only if the levy passes.

     

     

  • Capital Levy for Instructional Technology Improvements
    This is also a replacement two-year levy supporting the continued modernization of school facilities by making certain instructional technology improvements (ITI). The proposed levy would provide up to $143,149 in 2023 and $150,306 in 2024 for the Capital Projects Fund intended to support district initiatives by:

    1. Preparing students for college and career readiness through access to online learning, educational technologies, and high quality digital content; driving student achievement.
    2. Creating a fully technology-proficient Pre-K - 12 educator workforce.
    3. Providing equitable access to current and emerging technologies for all students and educators and expanding opportunities for parents, families, and the community.

    The Replacement Capital Levy for Instructional Technology Improvements is a two-year levy that funds programs and services not funded by state or federal resources. The replacement levy will continue to be used to fund programs that the expiring levy has supported:

    • 1:1 Student Device Initiative.
    • Modernizing instructional technology equipment and infrastructure.
    • Providing student and staff training.
    • Supporting the application and implementation new technology.
    • Replacing and/or upgrading computer hardware and software.
    • Replacing and/or upgrading telecom systems.
    • Other improvements to district technology equipment per the School Board.
       

    How will the Proposed Levy Affect Tax Rates?

    This proposed two-year Capital Projects Levy keeps tax rates near $0.20 per $1,000, down from $0.46 per $1000 in 2022. Proposed rates and total collection amounts are as follows:

     

     

    Year Rate per $1,000 Levy Collection
    2023 $0.20 $143,149*
    2024 $0.20 $150,306*

    *EP&O projections assume 5% AV Growth, $0.20 tax rate.

     

     

  • EP&O Levy, 2020

    What is an EP&O Levy used for?

    The proposed two-year Replacement Educational Programs & Operations Levy covers essential programs and services that the Warden community has come to expect like:

    • Athletics (i.e., Football, Wrestling, Baseball, etc., 100% funded by EP&O)
    • Technology 
    • Non-Funded and under-funded Staff, Teachers, Counselors, Custodians, Administrators, Librarians, and even the School Nurse
    • Security
    • Food Services and Transportation
    • Curriculum Updates
    • Maintenance Services
    • Utilities and Insurance
    • Early Learning Programs
    • Community Education
       

    How will the Proposed Levy Affect Tax Rates?

    The proposed two-year Replacement Educational Programs & Operations Levy keeps tax rates near $2.00 per $1,000, down from $2.90 per $1000 in 2018. Proposed rates and total collection amounts are as follows:

     

     

    Year Rate per $1,000 Levy Collection
    2021 $2.00 $1,082,316*
    2022 $2.00 $1,168,901*

    *EP&O projections assume 8% AV Growth, $2.00 tax rate


    While state law legally allows school districts to collect a higher rate per $1,000 of an assessed property value ($2.50), this may place undue hardship on the community. Warden School District asks voters to consider a replacement levy at a rate of only $2.00 per $1,000, balancing between minimizing the burden on local taxpayers and ensuring continued eligibility for Local Effort Assistance (LEA) funding. If the levy passes, Warden School District will be eligible to receive additional state levy equalization funds, between $5 to $5.3 million, but only if the levy passes.

     

    When is Election Day?

    Election day is November 3, 2020. Ballots will arrive by mail on or about October 15 and must be dropped off in person or postmarked by November 3, 2020.

    Are Tax Exemptions Available?

    Yes! Low-income senior citizens and disabled adults may qualify for tax exemptions. Contact your local county assessor’s office for more information and to see if you qualify.

     

     

  • This purpose of this levy was to make safety, security and technology improvements (acquiring and installing security cameras, entry/access controls, door locks, other safety and security systems, student and teacher technology devices and other technology equipment and infrastructure). 

    The Levy was passed during the April 23, 2019 Special Election.

    The Levy commenced in 2019 for collection in the years 2020 through 2022 in the aggregate total amount of $659,508.

    Levy Collection Schedule
    2020 - $217,652 April 2020 - $130,591 October 2020 - $87,060
    2021 - $219,829 April 2021 - $131,897 October 2021 - $87,931
    2022 - $222,027 April 2022 - $133,216 October 2022 - $88,810

    Currently 51% of Technology related items have been purchased:

    • Teacher Surface Laptops
    • Teacher Wireless Display Receivers
    • Kindergarten iPads
    • 1st Grade Student Laptops
    • 2nd – 12th Grade Student Laptops
    • Preschools and Special Education iPads
    • Student Laptop Cabinets
       

    Projects coming to completion:
    Middle School and Administration Security Door Installation (Items remaining: Safety Glass Installation)

    Upcoming projects:

    • Video Surveillance Cameras Including Door Entrance Cameras
    • Door Access Control and Hardware Upgrades
    • Cafeteria Rear Entry Security Door Installation
    • Security Window Film
    • Campus Fencing

    A pie chart titled 'Collections/Expenses' shows financial data for different categories.