A LEVY is approved by voters for a specific amount of years and a specific amount of money.  A levy helps pay for day-to-day operations of the school district not funded by the state's basic education apportionment.

A BOND is approved by voters for a specific amount of money and can only be used for construction projects.  Bonds are for building.

The Wapato Public Schools is running a replacement LEVY in the February 2022 election, not a bond.

• In 2023, for a home valued at $150,000 - estimated annual cost would be $245. (levy amount $1,525,000)
• In 2024, for a home valued at $150,000 - estimated annual cost would be $233. (levy amount $1,525,000)
• In 2025, for a home valued at $150,000 - estimated annual cost would be $245. (levy amount $1,675,000)
• In 2026, for a home valued at $150,000 - estimated annual cost would be $233. (levy amount $1,675,000)

• 2023 = $1.63 per $1000
• 2024 = $1.55 per $1000
• 2025 = $1.63 per $1000
• 2026 = $1.55 per $1000

Based on historical data, the total assessed value of all properties within the Wapato School District increases by about 5% per year. It is anticipated that average percentage of growth will continue from 2023 through 2026.  As the total assessed value of properties within the Wapato School District boundaries increase the estimated annual cost is spread across a greater tax base which results in a lower levy rate.  A lower levy rate means a lower cost to property owners.

A levy helps pay for the day-to-day operations of school districts including educational programs, safety and security, teachers, utilities, transportation, textbooks, athletics, etc.  It is a way for local communities to supplement State and Federal funding which fall short of providing for all that is required to operate a school district.  In the Wapato School District, local levy collections and State Levy Equalization account for nearly 10-percent of the District’s annual operating budget.

No, it is not a new tax.  The proposed Educational Programs & Operations Replacement Levy will simply renew and replace the current 4-year levy that voters approved in 2018. That levy expires December 31, 2022.

If you have a total gross annual household income under $40,000 and you are 61 years of age or older, or if you have a disability, you may qualify for exemption from all or part of this levy. More information is available at:      http://www.yakimacounty.us/613/Senior-or-Disabled-Exemptions

Without levy funds the District’s annual operating budget would have to be cut by nearly 10-percent.  The School Board would be required to make cuts and reductions to educational programs, activities and general maintenance programs.  Also, without a voter approved levy the school district is not able to receive Levy Equalization money from the State.  That would mean an estimated loss of more than $16-million in Levy Equalization over the four years.  ($4.1-million in 2023, $4.1-million in 2024, $4.1-million in 2025, $4.1-million in 2026)

The Wapato Schools District’s Educational Programs & Operations Levy helps pay for all of the programs and services the state does not consider to be “basic education” and helps bridge the gap for many programs that are underfunded.  The state underfunds services like safety/security and student healthcare (nurses).  Levy dollars are used to supplement the cost of these types of services. Also athletics, clubs & activities, advanced programs, and more are not considered “basic education” and require levy funding in order to be offered to students.

YES! The District has scheduled two Replacement Levy public information forums.  The first forum will take place on Thursday, January 20, 2022 starting at 6:00 p.m. The second forum will take place on Monday, January 31, 2022, starting at 6:30 p.m.  Due to ongoing COVID safety protocols these forums will be held virtually using Zoom.  Please find the Zoom log-in information below for each forum.