Levy 2020
Replacement Education Levy
INFORMATIONAL VIDEO
Election date: February 11, 2020
Ballots mail: Wednesday, January 22, 2020
50% + 1 vote required for approval
DOWNLOAD FACT SHEET - SPANISH (.pdf)
MAINTAINING QUALITY EDUCATION PROGRAMS
This proposed Replacement Education Levy helps maintain the current level of educational programs and opportunities our community has approved at the ballot box for over 50 years. This is not a new tax, but a continuation of a local levy requiring re-authorization from voters every four years. The Replacement Education Levy funds more than 100 staff not paid for by the state’s basic education funding model. Advanced course offerings, fine arts programs, elementary electives and athletic/club offerings are just a few of the programs the education levy provides Walla Walla students.
Dr. Wade Smith, Superintendent
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REPLACEMENT LEVY SUMMARY |
WHAT WILL IT COST?
Tax rates are projected to remain the same through 2024
Increases in property values above projections would reduce rate paid by taxpayers. *McCleary levy impact
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WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?
All levy dollars stay in Walla Walla to support local programs.
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What is the difference between a LEVY and a BOND?
Walla Walla Public Schools will seek renewal of its Replacement Education Levy in February. Levies are different than bonds.
Levies pay for educational programs and opportunities for students the state does not fund. Levies support school programs like music, art, honors courses, athletics, and a variety of experiences that Walla Walla parents and stakeholders have supported at the ballot for half a century.
Bonds are used for the construction of new schools, major building remodels or major facility upgrades. Walla Walla Public Schools voters approved a replacement bond in November 2018 to address such facility improvements.
Below is additional information explaining the differences between a levy and bond.
Levies = Learning
- Levy funds are used to support student programs and opportunities that are not paid for by state and federal funding.
- Levies are implemented in over 95% of Washington School Districts
- Levy funds are generally collected over a 4-year period and must be renewed every 4 years.
Bonds = Buildings
- Bond funds are generally repaid over a 15-20 year period.
- Bond funds cannot be used for program or instructional purposes.
- Bonds can only be used for construction, renovation of buildings, major repairs and other facility/property related purposes
Our Levy History
Walla Walla Public Schools' voters have a long history of supporting school levy and bond measures. Levies require 50 percent voter approval to pass, and bonds require 60 percent voter approval to pass. Below are the approval rates of over 45 years of consecutive levy elections.
| Date | Type | Yes | No | % Yes |
| 2/9/2016 | Levy | 5807 | 2879 | 66.85% |
| 2/14/2012 | Levy | 6114 | 3390 | 64.33% |
| 2/19/2008 | Levy | 5509 | 4470 | 55.21% |
| 2/3/2004 | Levy | 5210 | 2519 | 67.41% |
| 2/5/2002 | Levy | 5187 | 2263 | 69.62% |
| 4/25/2000 | Levy | 5364 | 2687 | 66.63% |
| 2/3/1998 | Levy | 3779 | 1973 | 65.70% |
| 2/6/1996 | Levy | 3080 | 1630 | 65.39% |
| 2/8/1994 | Levy | 3658 | 1216 | 75.05% |
| 2/4/1992 | Levy | 3801 | 1311 | 74.35% |
| 2/6/1990 | Levy | 2865 | 1074 | 72.70% |
| 3/22/1988 | Levy | 3551 | 1377 | 72.00% |
| 2/4/1986 | Levy | 2610 | 835 | 75.70% |
| 2/7/1984 | Levy | 3028 | 627 | 82.80% |
| 2/8/1983 | Levy | 3459 | 966 | 78.10% |
| 2/2/1982 | Levy | 3264 | 989 | 76.70% |
| 3/24/1981 | Levy | 3822 | 1134 | 77.12% |
| 2/5/1980 | Levy | 2736 | 949 | 74.01% |
| 2/6/1979 | Levy | 2949 | 1000 | 74.62% |
| 2/7/1978 | Levy | 3043 | 888 | 77.10% |
| 2/8/1977 | Levy | 3930 | 1146 | 77.42% |
| 2/3/1976 | Levy | 3549 | 1589 | 69.07% |
| 2/4/1975 | Levy | 3807 | 1221 | 75.72% |
| 2/5/1974 | Levy | 3396 | 1341 | 71.69% |
| 2/6/1973 | Levy | 4323 | 1278 | 77.18% |
| 4/11/1972 | Levy | 4863 | 2873 | 62.86% |
| 2/9/1971 | Levy | 3751 | 1741 | 68.30% |
ELECTION INFO
Dates & Approval:
>> Election date: February 11, 2020
>> Ballots mailed: Wednesday, January 22, 2020
>> 50% + 1 vote required for approval
Voter Registration Information:
310 West Poplar St. | (509) 524-2530 | elections@co.walla-walla.wa.us
Tax Exemptions:
Senior and disabled citizens may be eligible for an exemption. Contact the Walla Walla County Assessor’s Office at (509) 524-2560 for additional information.
Levy Revenue is Fixed:
Schools receive no additional dollars beyond the amount approved by voters. Increases in property values will not increase levy revenue.
Further Information:
www.wwps.org | (509) 526-6716 | email: mhiggins@wwps.org
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