Thursday, September 18, 2025

LWSD Board of Directors To Propose Levy Increases


TAX INCREASES

Every four years the Educational and Operations (EP&O) and Capital Technology and Facilities levies are up for renewal.  The board will take formal action on the 2026 levies at their meeting on October 6, 2025. Once approved by the board, these replacement levies would be placed on the February 10, 2026, ballot.

Currently, 16% of the Lake Washington School District budget is funded by these two "replacement" levies.  The school board is proposing a special "excess" increase in the 2026 levy ask owing to: 

  • loss of federal funding (currently 5%)
  • new sales tax on services
  • salary step increase
  • increased compensation
  • 8% inflation growth 

EP&O tax increases of $180/year on $1.5M assessed property value ($.97/$1,000 property value)  and a Capital Technology and Facilities tax increase of $45/year ($.44/$1,000 property value.)  I suggest you read the "Levy Renewals" slide deck document for a readable, comprehensive report. Some tax increases may be higher or lower than quoted here.

EP&O Levy Program Funding (% of total program funds:) 

  • 25% Special Education* $22.0 Million 
  •  20% Counselors $3.0 Million
  • 46% 6.5 Million Health and Mental Health Services
  • 93% Safety Services $7.0 Million 
  • 80% Professional Learning $18.8 Million 
  • 90% Athletic & Extracurricular Activities $9.4 Million  
  • 100% Additional Course Offerings $5.0 Million 
  • 30% Early Learning $0.8 Million 
Capital Technology & Facilities excess levy will finance:  
  • Application and modernization for technology systems.  Education and operations instruction.
  • Acquire and install computers, implement, train, and manage. 
  • Modernize and expand facilities through construction, renovation, and improvements.  Improve technology and training.  
On October 6, the  Board will make their final decision on the 2026 excess levy tax increases.  To comment email them at boardmembers@lwsd.org or phone 425-936-1257 ... before Oct. 6.  

Reported by Yoder, 9/18/25
Source:  LWSD "Levy Renewals" document

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1 comment:

  1. Bob YoderSeptember 18, 2025 at 1:52 PM

    I calculate $180/year tax increase on the EP&O levy; and $45/year increase on the Capital Technology and Facilities levy. Total increase $225/year increase on $1.5M assessed property value. Within four years the total tax increase would be $900.

    However, I read in the Levy document the average homeowner will pay a $390 increase from 2026-2027. $780 within 4 years.

    Then, I read "$390 total increase in average homeowner taxes 2026-2027 • $120 is from the previously approved construction levy • $270 increase for EP&O and Technology and Capital Projects levies,

    I am totally confused, wrote the Directors and asked them to clarify / explain.

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