2026 Educational Programs and Operations Levy

Pasco School District is asking voters to renew the existing, community-approved Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy that expires in December 2026. The renewal levy will appear on the ballot for the April 28 election.

This is not a new tax — it is a continuation of the current local levy that funds approximately 10% of the district’s overall budget, supporting day-to-day operations in our schools.

If approved, the renewal levy will continue providing local funding to help bridge the gap between what the state funds and the actual cost of operating Pasco schools, allowing the district to sustain essential staff, student programs, and services that support academics, safety, and student well-being across our community.

If the levy measure does not pass in April, the district would lose nearly $50 million per year in local levy funding and Local Effort Assistance. As a result, PSD would need to make reductions to staffing, student programs, and daily operations across the district. 

The EP&O Levy Fills the Funding Gap

The EP&O Levy helps maintain programs, services, staffing, and daily operations that are unfunded or not fully funded by the state.

Why Does PSD Need an Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy?

In Washington State, school funding is built on a state + local levy model. The state provides funding for what it defines as “basic education.” However, that funding does not fully cover the actual cost of operating schools.

Because of this, school districts across Washington are expected to run local levies. It is not optional — it is part of how the state funding system is structured.

What’s Changed Over Time?

In 2019–21, K–12 education made up about 51.6% of the state budget. In the current proposed budgets, that percentage has dropped to approximately 42%. While enrollment, staffing needs, student supports, and operating costs have continued, the share of state funding going to education has declined.

At the same time:

• Utility costs have increased

• Insurance premiums have risen

• Transportation costs have grown

• Fuel prices fluctuate

• Technology costs continue to climb

• Special education costs exceed state allocations

• Mental health and safety needs have increased

Just like families and businesses, school districts are experiencing inflation and rising operational expenses.

What Do Levies Pay For?

Local levy funding supports staffing and operations across the entire district, including:

• Classroom teachers and instructional staff 
• School nurses and health aides 
• Paraeducators 
• School counselors and student support personnel 
• Library aides and library services 
• Office and front office support staff 
• Transportation services, including bus drivers and aides 
• Substitute teachers 
• Athletic coaches and intramural activities 
• Music and theatre programs 
• Clubs, advisors, and extracurricular opportunities 
• School Resource Officers and security staff 
• Technology and instructional supports 
• Custodial and maintenance staff  
• Operational and school leadership supporting daily operations 

As state funding has not kept pace with the actual cost of operating schools, levy dollars have become essential to sustaining both core services and student programs.

Simply put: when schools must reduce basic operations, enrichment opportunities are also affected — because both rely on the same overall funding system.

Are We Alone?

No. Across Washington State, nearly every district runs levies. In fact, in the most recent election cycle, approximately 95% of school levies statewide passed. This reflects that communities understand levies are part of the expected funding structure in our state.

The Bottom Line

Washington’s funding model requires districts to rely on local levies to maintain staffing levels and student programs. Without local levy support, districts would not be able to sustain the level of services families expect.

This is not about adding something new — it is about maintaining programs, staff, and services that students rely on every day in a system where local funding is built into the model.

Why are Local Effort Assistance Funds Important?

Local Effort Assistance (LEA) is a Washington State program designed to level the playing field for school districts with lower property values. Because districts like Pasco cannot raise as much local revenue per tax dollar as wealthier areas, the state provides additional funding to help close that gap.

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How It Works

LEA funding is determined by a district’s enrollment and assessed property values. When these values fall below the state average, Washington provides supplemental funds to ensure students in all communities have access to comparable opportunities, regardless of local property wealth.

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Why It Matters for Pasco

For the 2025–2026 school year, Pasco School District received $14.1 million in LEA funds. This critical funding directly supports:

• Essential staff such as classroom support, counselors, and custodians
• Student programs including academics, arts, and athletics
• District operations that keep schools safe and welcoming

Together, local levy dollars and LEA funding make up about 10% of the district’s annual operating budget—helping ensure that every Pasco student has access to the same quality of education as students in wealthier areas.