Skip to main content

Schools

Popular Links

EP&O Levy

EP&O Levy

In February 2026, Vashon Island residents will be asked to vote on an Education Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy that renews critical funding for education programs and services all Vashon Island School District students engage with.

What does the EP&O Levy pay for?

It is important to note that the 2026 EP&O Levy is not a new tax. It renews an expiring tax that provides local funding for critical education programs and services that are not covered by state and federal dollars, including but not limited to additional costs of special education, school nurses, counselors, librarians, arts and music programs, transportation for field trips, athletics, insurance, heating and lighting costs, office supplies, and teachers and staff beyond what the state’s funding model supports.

Local funds from the EP&O Levy comprise approximately 17 percent of VISD’s current budget.

The proposed levy continues a previously-approved levy

The proposed levy continues at the same rate of the current levy, which is set to expire in 2026.

Collection Year Rate per $1,000 Assessed Value Levy Amount
2027 $1.50 $7,083,882
2028 $1.50 $7,507,375
2029 $1.50 $7,956,277
2030 $1.50 $8,432,113

 

To calculate your estimated tax based on your home’s assessed value:

(Assessed Value) x (1.50) / 1,000 = Yearly Tax

Yearly Tax / 12 = Monthly Rate

For example: The owner of a home with an assessed value of $750,000 would continue to pay $93.75 per month.

 

EP&O Levy FAQ

  • This renewal levy replaces the expiring levy (which voters approved in 2022).

    The State of Washington’s prototypical school funding model does not adequately fund what the District needs to fully support each and every student.

    For example, for a district our size, the state provides funding for the equivalent of 0.188 of a psychologist to support our entire district. VISD relies on local levy money to support and pay for the rest of its full-time school psychologist.

  • The District’s current EP&O Levy provides funding for a wide array of personnel and services at VISD, including but not limited to:

    • The entire athletics program budget
    • Approximately 20 percent of benefits for staff members
    • Approximately 10 teachers
    • Nearly $1,000,000 into facilities and grounds maintanence and upkeep

  • VISD put forth a Cap/Tech (capital technology) Levy in front of Vashon voters in February 2024, which passed with 67.8 percent of the voters support. The Cap/Tech Levy specifically funds technology needs and capital projects at the district. Those funds are currently being used to pay for enhanced security measures (cameras/front door access at schools), maintenance and supply of Chromebooks and other technology, software, and technology expenses, among other planned projects.

    Vashon voters previously approved an EP&O Levy in 2022 with just over 70 percent in favor.