2026 Levy Planning

Shoreline School District will have the opportunity to place two four-year levies on the February 2026 election ballot, which could replace existing levies that will expire at the end of 2026:

• Educational Programs and Operations (2022 levy)
• Capital Levy for Technology Improvements and Support (2022 levy)

The 30 committee members are a diverse group of district and school representatives and community members, including:

• District Administration Representatives (7)
• School Representatives (10)
• Community Members (13)
• School Board Liaison 

Meeting agendas and presentation materials will be posted to this page

Committee Timeline

The Levy Needs Committee will meet April-June 2025 to create a resolution for School Board review and possible adoption in July/August 2025 to be placed on the February 2026 ballot.

• The committee will be convened in April  2025 to orient members to the charge, review existing data, and review levy requirements. 
• The committee work will include review of assessments and data collection, analysis and identification of needs, consideration of cost projections and funding, and prioritization of needs.
• The final meetings will conclude in June 2025 to develop a plan and recommendations for School Board consideration in July/August 2025.
• The Committee’s plan and recommendation will be presented to the School Board in July/August 2025 for consideration, followed by adoption of a resolution for the February 2026 election.  
• The Levy Campaign Committee (not the planning committee) will begin its work in the fall of 2026 and continue until the election in February 2026. 
   

Committee Charge

The Committee is charged with developing a comprehensive plan and recommendations for a replacement Enhanced and Technology Levy for consideration in the February 2026 election.  In addition to the replacement levies, the Committee will consider adding a Capital Facilities Levy.  

This work is being undertaken in response to the District’s 4-year Enhanced and Technology Levies (2022-2026) set to expire in 2026.

The committee will:

• Review levy data and needs assessments for enhanced programs, technology, and capital facilities
• Develop and apply agreed-upon criteria to evaluate options
• Consider community input during deliberations
• Prioritize equity, the District’s Strategic plan priorities, and Climate and Sustainability Resolution

Meeting Schedule and Materials

The Levy Needs Committee will meet in Room D-105 of the Shoreline Center, on the dates listed below. Meeting materials will be posted here following each session.

• Wednesday, April 30
• Monday, May 12
• Wednesday, May 28
• Monday, June 9

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School Board Study Session March 11

Topic: Planning for Future Levies and Bonds

Presenters: Angela Von Essen, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations; Art Clarke, Director of Finance and Business Services; and Mark W. Prussing, CPA, Executive Director, Financial Advisory Services, ESD 112
Agenda (with presentation links) | Recording

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Levy Frequently Asked Questions–The Basics

What is a school levy?

A levy is a local property tax collected by school districts to help finance the educational programs and operations of schools that are not fully funded by the state.

The funds provided by our two existing levies account for approximately 20% of Shoreline School District’s annual operating budget.

The specific use of each levy can vary within certain parameters and will be developed by the Levy Needs Committee and district administrators.

Who is eligible to vote on the replacement levies?

All registered voters who live within Shoreline School District.

What does an “Educational Programs and Operations” levy (aka: EP&O Levy) fund?

An EP&O Levy funds education programs that are not fully funded by state and federal funds, including special education staff and supports, maintenance, utilities, supplies, extracurricular activities, and professional development.

What does a “Capital Levy for Improvements and Support” fund?

Our 2022 Capital Levy included only technology spending, which funds instructional technology and internet access for students and staff across the district, including computers, online subscriptions and licenses, infrastructure, digital curriculum, network maintenance, technology staffing, professional development, equipment, and systems.

We will study expanding the replacement levy to include other capital needs beyond technology, such as replacing carpeting, painting, roofing, and other facility improvements.