Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy
This February, Skamania School District will ask voters to renew a three-year Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) levy. This is not a new tax; if approved, this measure would continue a previously approved local funding measure that is set to expire at the end of 2026.
Most school districts in Washington rely on local levy funds to bridge the gap between what the state funds and the real cost of educating students. In Skamania, local levy funds provide approximately 12% of the district’s overall budget. As many as 290 public school districts (out of the state’s 295 districts) rely on local levy funding.
Our state is a vote-by-mail state, and ballots will arrive in mailboxes around January 23. Remember to vote by Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
Skamania’s 2025 EP&O levy rate of $1.10 is well below the average levy rate of $1.64 for school districts in Skamania County.
The proposed levy replaces a previously-approved levy at a similar rate per $1,000:
| Collection Years | Rate per $1,000 of assessed value | Amount Collected* |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | $1.10 | $302,500 |
| 2028 | $1.11 | $325,000 |
| 2029 | $1.12 | $347,500 |
| $975,000 total |
*Tax rates are per $1,000 of assessed property value. Future tax rates are estimates. The district cannot legally collect more than the total approved collection amount.
Calculate your estimated tax based on your home’s assessed value:
(Assessed Value) x (estimated rate) / $1,000 = estimated yearly tax / 12 = monthly rate
What is an Educational Programs & Operations Levy?
An educational programs and operations levy, also called an EP&O levy or an enrichment levy, is a funding measure that helps bridge the gap between education funding provided from the state and federal government and what it actually costs to run a school district. While state and federal funds provide a large portion of the funding for school districts each year, this funding does not cover all of the expenses students, staff and families count on as part of their educational experience. Local levy funds are critical for districts like Skamania to continue to provide a quality, safe and rewarding educational experience for all students in the district.
For more information
Contact the superintendent’s office at kchavarria@skamania.k12.wa.us or 509-427-8239.
Local levy dollars support programs and services for local students, including:
Staff to Maintain Small Class Sizes
- Teacher and support staff salaries to maintain low student-to-teacher ratio
- Additional teaching services beyond what the state funds
Food Services for Students
- Staff who make nutritious meals for students possible
Student Support Services
- Counseling services
- Special education costs beyond what the state funds
Transportation
- Daily routes, field trips, and extracurricular activities
Music Programs & Enrichment
Facility Maintenance and Operations
Student Data Systems
Combined Administrative Positions & Supports
- Combined principal/superintendent position to maximize efficiency and reduce administrative costs
- Business services staff positions
- Central office staff
Professional Development
- Training and education for staff
- Substitute teachers
Levy funding makes up 12% of Skamania’s total operating budget. State funding (82%) and federal funding (6%) make up the remaining portion.