The Kittitas School District is preparing to ask voters for approval of two key property tax levies in a special election scheduled for February 10, 2024. One of the proposed measures, known as Proposition 1, aims to renew the educational programs and operations levy that supports vital services and programs not fully funded by the state. The second measure, Proposition 2, seeks to replace the existing levy for instructional technology improvements.
The educational levy is crucial for the district’s financial stability, accounting for approximately 15% of its total budget. If voters approve the four-year levy, it is expected to generate $7.6 million, or about $1.9 million annually, from the years 2027 through 2030. The estimated levy rate for the first year is $1.67 per $1,000 of assessed property value. This rate is projected to decrease over the following years, dropping to $1.61, $1.55, and $1.49 in subsequent years.
The technology improvements levy, also a four-year proposal, aims to raise $400,000 annually during the same timeframe. Should it pass, the funding will be allocated for replacing and upgrading computers, software, telecommunications systems, and staff training, among other enhancements approved by the school board. The estimated rate for this levy is 35 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value in 2027, with a gradual decline to 31 cents by 2030.
The Kittitas School District must finalize its ballot propositions by December 12, 2023. The school board is set to review the measures during its upcoming meeting. To inform the community, the district has updated its website with details about the ballot proposals, including frequently asked questions and a comparison chart of tax rates across neighboring districts in Kittitas, Grant, and Yakima counties.
According to the district’s comparison chart, the total tax rate within the Kittitas School District is projected to be $2.97 per $1,000 of assessed valuation in 2025. This figure includes 82 cents for bonds, $1.77 for the educational programs and operations levy, and 39 cents for the capital projects levy.
As the election date approaches, the Kittitas School District is focused on ensuring that voters are well-informed about the potential impacts of these levies on the community and its educational resources.
