FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why does Grandview School District need a levy?

    The levy allows the District to continue quality educational programs and services which are not fully funded by the State. Levy money and Levy Equalization Assistance funds make up about 9% of the District's operating budget.


    What does the levy pay for?

    Levy funds pay for the enhancement of:
         - Health & Safety: School resource officers, security officers and nurses.
         - Student Learning & Staffing: Advanced Placement, Highly Capable, professional development & training, substitute teachers, special education support, additional technology support, field trips to supplement student learning, breakfast and lunch support.
         - Instructional Support: Secretaries, para-educators & curriculum.
         - Athletics & activities: School athletics, coaches, advisors, extracurricular activities, competitions, fine arts and transportation.
         - Operations & Maintenance: Custodians, grounds & maintenance workers, building maintenance, equipment, supplies, utilities, fuel, vehicles & maintenance.

    These programs are all levy supported. If the levy goes away, all of these programs will be deeply impacted. 


    What are levy equalization funds?

    If Grandview’s four-year replacement levy passes, the school district will qualify for state matching dollars called Levy Equalization Assistance funds. Currently, Grandview receives approximately $2 in Levy Equalization Assistance funds from the state for each $1 that is raised locally. The levy must be approved before the school district receives state matching funds.

    The state provides this money to school districts which have relatively low property values so students in less affluent or smaller districts receive a comparable education to students in wealthier districts


    Will my property taxes go up?

    In 2023, local property taxes are expected to drop from the estimated $1.67 per $1,000 of assessed property value to $1.64 per $1,000.

    Property taxes vary depending on whether your property was assessed recently at higher value. The amount depends on the increased assessed value. It is also possible for property taxes to go down if the property hasn’t been recently assessed or if new higher valued property is added to the county’s tax base.


    What percentage of voters must approve it to pass? 

    School levies require a simple majority or 50% plus one vote.

    How often can a district run a levy? 

    Voters can approve an EP&O levy for up to four years. The Grandview School District typically runs four-year levies. After the allotted number of year, the levy expires. District's typically then go back to their voters and ask for a continuation, replacement or enrichment levy. If the levy does not pass on the first vote, the district can run the levy one more time that year. 

     

    Is there a limit on the dollar amount a district may propose for an enrichment levy?

    Yes. This maximum dollar amount is known as the "levy lid." As part of the changes the Legislation made to the way the state funds education in Washington, also known as the "McCleary decision," levy rates are capped at $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value.  A levy may not collect more than $2,500 per student maximum ($3,000 per student in Seattle only), a dollar threshold which is adjusted annually based on inflation.

     

    When is the election?

    April 26, 2022


    When will ballots be mailed?

    No later than April 8, 2022.