Renewal Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O ) Levy

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The current levy expires at the end of 2025 and, as a result, NMSD placed a replacement levy request on the February 11, 2025 ballot. As this request was not approved by the voters, the school board did a thorough analysis and review before voting to put the initiative on the ballot in November (see video).

This is a RENEWAL LEVY request to replace the Levy approved in 2021.

This replaces an existing voter-approved levy to fund the continuation of programs and services families count on. Much like a subscription, every few years the district asks the community to renew this local funding measure and continue to support the following programs and services families expect (watch the 'Growing Education' video on the right).

Levies are for learning

Economic Impacts from February 2025 Levy Failure:

Cuts to Positions: District Office

  • Technology Director – Supervision and direction of technology department and district, Safety and Security Management for District

  • TOSA (Teacher on Special Assignment) District Assessment Coordinator – Over sees all Assessments, online data entry and accommodations, Highly Capable programming

  • TOSA (Teacher on Special Assignment) Family Engagement Community Liaison – Community Engagement, Family Resources, Native American Education

  • District Office Front Desk Secretary – Welcomes visitors, dispatches phone calls, receives packages, schedules facility use, processes purchase orders for curriculum department

  • Communication Specialist – Responsible for all Website management, social media and Press release communication for the district and buildings

  • Attendance Secretary – Manages all attendance and truancy compliancy and support for higher level attendance matters

  • Grant Management Secretary – Supports finance office in management and monitoring of grants

Cuts to Positions: Certificated Teaching

  • 7 Certificated Classroom Teachers

  • 1 Counselor Position

  • BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Specialist)

Cuts to Positions: Maintenance

  • Full time Grounds Worker

  • Full time Traveling Custodian

Cuts to Positions: Classified Staff

  • Building Secretarial Support- 3 full time secretaries

  • Library Tech - 1 Elementary Position

  • School Safety Officer

  • Paraeducator Positions - 7 full time positions

  • Activity Assistants - Playground/Lunchroom Supervision - 2 Positions

Program Cuts

  • Elementary 4th/5th Grade Band

  • Mid-day transportation to West Sound Tech and Theler Wetlands

  • Athletics and Activities Reduction

MSOC (Maintenance, Systems, Operation Costs) Reductions

  • Contracted Staff Services (Speech language pathologist, School Psychs, Occupational and Physical Therapists - $350,000.00

  • Electronic Subscriptions and Apps - $114,000.00

  • Curriculum Budget - $243,000.00

  • Student Laptop Budget - $261,000.00

  • Building Budgets Reduced by 10% - $46,580.00



Levy Expenditures:

Fiscal Year 2021-2022 through Fiscal Year 2023-2024

Appples

Apple

For more information on the funding issues in Washington State, visit: WSSDA School Funding FAQ'S

Renewal Levy Committee

We reconvened our Renewal Levy Committee to focus on the upcoming enrichment levy to be voted on in November, which will replace the current levy expiring at the end of 2025. This renewal levy is crucial for supporting our schools’ operations and enhancing educational experiences for our students.
 
Purpose of the Committee: The committee’s primary goal was to evaluate the current state of our district, identify areas that require additional funding, and propose a comprehensive plan for the 2025 enrichment levy. By engaging with stakeholders, educators, parents, and community members, the team created a well-informed and impactful recommendation to the school board.

Levy Committee Meetings:

Key Areas of Focus:

  1. Operations: They assessed the financial requirements for day-to-day operations, including staffing, maintenance, safety, and utilities.

  2. Enrichment Programs: The committee explored opportunities to enhance student experiences through extracurricular activities, arts, sports, and other enrichment programs.

  3. Equity and Inclusion: We are committed to ensuring that all students have equal access to quality education. The enrichment levy will address equity gaps and promote inclusivity.

  4. Research and Analysis: Throughout the summer, they gathered data, consulted experts, and engaged with the community.

  5. Awareness: The committee worked together to deliver information and promote awareness of the essential needs that are supported by the renewal levy.