School Support Levy

A levy is a short-term (2-4 years) local property tax passed by the voters of a school district. It generates revenue for the district to fund programs and services that the state does not fund or fully fund as part of “basic education.” This can include things like teachers, support staff, activities, or services. Levies must be renewed when they expire in order for the funding to continue.

While state and federal funds provide most of the funding for school districts, they do not cover all of the expenses used to run our school district. In 2026, 286 of the state’s 295 school districts had local levies in place (97%). These levies make up ongoing gaps in financial support so districts can continue to provide educational experiences for all students at current levels. In CK Schools, the levy makes up 10% of our total budget.

Voters approved the current school support levy in 2024. That levy expires in December 2027. The proposed replacement levy would renew that expiring levy.

School support levies are approved for a limited number of years (up to 4), and then they expire. School districts ask voters to renew their levies as they approach expiration. Our current levy will expire on December 31, 2027.

The state allocates resources to school districts based on a “prototypical funding model.” The levy helps bridge the gap between what the state provides and the actual cost of the programs, services and activities we provide to our students.

Yes. Having a levy in place qualifies our district for two additional sources of funding:

1. Local Effort Assistance – State funding that is granted to school districts based on property values. In 2026, we received about $3 million in Local Effort Assistance.
2. Heavy Impact Aid – Federal funding that compensates school districts for lost revenue associated with large, tax-exempt federal properties like military bases. Having a levy in place that is at least 95% of the state average is one of three criteria for Heavy Impact Aid eligibility. We receive an average of $15 million per year in Heavy Impact Aid funding. This money is used for capital projects across the district (repairs and improvements to schools, athletic fields, and playgrounds).

The levy helps us bridge the gap between state funding and the actual costs of the programs and services we provide to our students. Levy dollars support:

• School safety and security personnel, including school security staff and school resource officers who help keep schools safe.
• Teachers and additional staff to support student learning.
• Counselors and support for students as they plan for college, careers, military service, or other next steps.
• Sports and after-school activities including all athletics, art, clubs, drama, and music outside the school day
• Student transportation, meals, and learning technology
• Custodial, grounds, and maintenance staff who keep schools clean and well maintained.

Clubs and sports connect students to their schools and help keep them engaged in learning. When students are connected and engaged, they are more likely to stay in school and may perform better academically. We know from research and our own surveys that students and families value extracurricular activities and ask for them specifically. Students who are involved in these activities tend to have better grades and lower dropout rates; they also report higher rates of confidence, healthy habits, and social skills.

The levy makes up 10 percent of our district budget. Without it, we would balance the budget by reducing programs, activities, and staffing in areas not restricted by state or federal requirements. These areas include: school safety and security; teachers and support staff; counseling support; after-school athletics, art, clubs, drama, and music; technology; transportation; and operations. Having a levy in place also qualifies our district for two additional sources of funding: Local Effort Assistance (state funding that is granted to school districts based on property values), and Heavy Impact Aid (federal funding granted to school districts with large, tax-exempt federal properties like military bases). Without a levy in place, we would lose those funding sources.

• State Funding (78%) – Most of our funding comes from the state to fund basic education. Some of that funding is restricted and can only be spent in state-specified ways.
• Federal Funding (10%) – The federal government funds about 12% of our budget. Most of that funding is restricted and can only be spent in certain areas.
• Local Funding (12%) – The levy is 10% of our budget. We use those dollars to go beyond a basic education and offer a wider range of programs, services, and activities. About 2% of our funds are from fee-based programs like facility use.

The majority of our funding, about 78%, comes from the state to fund “basic” education. Some of that funding is restricted and can only be spent in state-specified ways, like Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs. The federal government funds about 10% of our budget. Much of that funding is also restricted and can only be spent in certain areas, like child nutrition. We use levy dollars to go beyond a “basic” education and offer a wider range of programs, services, and activities.

Under state law, levy dollars can be used to “enrich” the program of basic education. This means districts can use levy funds for programs and services that the state does not fund or fully fund as part of basic education.

School funding comes from multiple sources at the local, state, and federal levels. Each source has its own set of rules about how funds can be spent. Most of our funding comes from the state. To learn more, see the state’s Citizen’s Guide to K-12 Finance (2024).

Historically, people in Washington state have valued local control over their own school districts. However, we do partner with neighboring districts to reduce costs. As an example, our district and Bremerton School District partner to maintain buses. This allows districts to reduce expenditures while still ensuring our communities can continue to decide on enrichment offerings such as art, athletics, clubs, drama, and music offered outside the school day, as well as things like class sizes, student supports, and technology.

No. A local levy has been in place here for more than 30 years. A renewal levy is presented to voters every 2-4 years as prior levies expire. The current levy will expire on December 31, 2027; the replacement levy would begin on January 1, 2028.

The proposed levy has an estimated levy rate of $1.50 (per $1,000 of assessed value) for four years. A rate of $1.50 means that for every $1,000 of property value, the owner of the property will pay $1.50 in taxes each year.

The proposed levy amounts for the renewal levy were adjusted for continued inflation and rising costs, while maintaining an estimated tax rate of $1.50.

Yes. Our finances are audited each year by the Washington State Auditor’s Office to ensure compliance. These independent audits provide accountability and transparency for district operations. They also provide valuable information to our district, school board, and public stakeholders when assessing our stewardship of public resources. All audits can be publicly accessed on the Washington State Auditor’s Office website. In addition, we submit our budget to the state each year, and we post it to our District Budget page. The information on that page provides details on how we budget and spend our resources.

The state provides funding for teachers based on its prototypical funding model, but districts can decide how to structure those positions. In our elementary schools, we choose to expand the education we provide to our students. In addition to their homeroom teacher, students participate in P.E. classes, music classes, library time, and more. We also use our state allocation for things like reading specialists in schools. Focusing on the total number of adults in each school supporting students allows us to educate our students while also keeping our class sizes smaller.

If you have a current Washington driver’s license or state ID, you can register to vote online. You may also register in person (and vote) up until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. For more information, contact the Kitsap County Elections Office.

Yes, even if the active-duty member maintains his or her residency elsewhere. For more information on how military members and their spouses can vote, contact the Washington Secretary of State.

Ballots are mailed to registered voters at least 18 days before each election. Ballots are due February 9, 2027, by 8:00 p.m.

Yes. Washington state law provides two tax benefit programs for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities: property tax exemptions and property tax deferrals. For more information on qualifications, please contact the Kitsap County Assessor’s Office.