FAQs

Questions about school funding

Why are school levies necessary?

School levies fill the gap between the actual cost of educating students in safe, secure, and well-maintained schools and what the state of Washington provides. In Snohomish, our two local levy funds cover about 17.5 cents of every dollar needed to give students a full and rich learning experience in their neighborhood schools.

The Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Replacement Levy:

Enriches and supports special education, career and technical education/ (vocational programs), and help for all students including those who are excelling and struggling.
Covers the cost of ACT testing so every high school junior can access the test for free.
Funds highly-qualified educators and staff, helping the district attract and retain people dedicated to student learning - the “people power” needed to prepare students to be responsible, contributing citizens.

Critical staffing gaps filled by the Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Replacement Levy:

The state funds 1.5 psychologists for academic supports. There are 12.8 school psychologists across the district, meaning 11.3 are funded through local levy dollars.
The school district’s school resource officers (Snohomish County Sheriff Department), who are based at district high schools, are funded entirely through the local levy.
The state requires school districts to provide teachers and classified staff with 12 days of paid sick leave each year. However, it does not provide any funding to cover these sick days for classified staff and only allocates enough to cover the cost of substitutes for about 4 of the 12 days for teachers. While the state contributes approximately $260,000 toward the district’s $3.0 million in total substitute coverage costs, the remaining $2.7 million must be funded through the local levy.

Student connection and enrichment:

The Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Replacement Levy helps students connect through athletics, performing arts, clubs, and other programs, promoting strong mental health and academic success.
All Snohomish Aquatic Center operational funding comes from Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Replacement Levy funding and facility fees

The Replacement Levy for Technology, Safety, and Facility Improvements:

Maintains schools and support facilities, including lighting upgrades, roof and siding replacement and heating and ventilation upgrades.
The 2020 bond failure stalled many critical projects. Delays increase costs over time. Schools, like homes and businesses, must be maintained routinely and proactively.
Improves safety with upgraded security cameras, better lighting, more efficient and safer parking lots and drop-off/pick-up areas.
Continues equitable access to educational technology, ensuring students have the tools they need today for school success and future-ready skills.

How often do school districts ask voters

to approve levies?

Both 2022 approved levies were four-year replacement levies. School districts can request levies lasting two to six years, which helps them plan for student learning and programs with long-term funding stability.

What do you mean these are "replacement" levies?

In February 2022, voters came together to say “YES” to two essential financial measures that directly support our students and community schools:

Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy
Replacement Levy for Technology, Safety and Facility Improvements

These critical levies ensure our schools have the resources to thrive, and they’ll be up for renewal February 2026. Let’s continue to invest in our future and keep Snohomish schools strong. Vote YES on February 10, 2026!

What is the difference between an educational levy and a construction bond?

Levies are for learning. Bonds are for building. Click here to learn more about the difference between an educational levy and a construction bond.

How do property taxes and changing property values relate to school levies and bonds?

Watch this short video explaining how property taxes and changing property values relate to school levies and bonds and levies.

I'm a senior citizen, can I get a property

tax exemption?

Some senior and disabled homeowners may be eligible for a property tax exemption, based on income. For details, call the Snohomish County Assessor’s Office at 425-388-3540 or visit their website.

Why do school districts run elections in February instead of November?

Voter-approved levy funding ends each December when a levy term expires. Because school districts prepare their budgets each spring for the school year that begins in September, they need to know funding levels well in advance. Waiting until November would leave too little time to plan and staff for the coming school year - spring approval ensures schools can build a complete September–June school year budget with confidence.

Click here to be redirected
to the Snohomish School District
website which contains additional
school funding resources.

Questions about voting

Who can vote in an election?

Registered voters who live within the boundaries of Snohomish School District can vote in elections.

Visit www.myvote.wa.gov to:

Register to vote
Request a replacement ballot
Update voter registration info
View a listing of your elected officials
View what elections are impacted at the address on file
View ballot status (mailed, received, not received, etc.)

Special note: If you are a 16- and 17-years-old in the state of Washington, you can pre-register to vote! Registrants under the age of 18 will have their registrations held until they become eligible to vote.

www.myvote.wa.gov

How do I register to vote?

How can I cast my ballot?

Snohomish County mails a ballot to every registered voter about 20 days before each election. For full details about ballot timing and voter registration visit the Snohomish County website.