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2022 Replacement Levies - FAQs

Snohomish School Funding Questions & Answers

School Funding Laws

2022 Replacement Levies - Infographics

Election Day - February 8
Only one week until the February 8 election! The closest ballot drop box locations in Snohomish are: Snohomish Library 311 Maple Avenue in Snohomish Glacier Peak High School parking lot 7401 144th Place SE in Snohomish For all other ballot drop box locations, visit: https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/5726/Find-a-Ballot-Drop-Box. Proposals for both the local Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy and Replacement Levy for Technology, Safety and Facility Improvements are on the February 8, 2022 ballot. We are committed to openness and transparency. Learn more about these replacement levies on our website: www.sno.wednet.edu/2022levies.
Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy
The local Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy funds essential school support staff such as learning assistants (paraeducators), psychologists, nurses, substitute teachers and security, as well as athletics, performing arts, clubs, and other activities for stronger mental health and academic success of students. We are committed to openness and transparency. Learn more about these replacement levies on our website: www.sno.wednet.edu/2022levies.
Replacement Levy for Technology, Safety and Facility Improvements
If approved the Replacement Levy for Technology, Safety and Facility Improvements would fund: - Overdue facility improvements to roofing, heating and ventilation systems and security systems - Improved safety and security including security cameras at every school - Tools for student success such as computers and help to best use them We are committed to openness and transparency. Learn more about these replacement levies on our website: www.sno.wednet.edu/2022levies.
A graph showing the expenses of Snohomish School District
The local Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy fills the 12% funding gap between what the state funds and what it really takes to provide a full and rich learning experience in safe and secure schools. The proposed levy supports student learning with more caring adults on school campuses including counselors at every school and almost twice as many learning assistants (paraeducators) than the state provides. Proposals for both the local Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy and Replacement Levy for Technology, Safety and Facility Improvements will be on the February 8, 2022 ballot.
Nurses support student health in schools.
For a district the size of Snohomish, the state funds just 1.41 nurses. Snohomish employs more than 12 nurses to support students in each school. The local levy funds the difference. We are committed to openness and transparency. Learn more about the February 8 replacement levies on our website: www.sno.wednet.edu/2022levies.
Have Snohomish schools received federal pandemic relief funds?
Have Snohomish schools received federal pandemic relief funds? Yes, but unlike individuals and families, public schools did not receive stimulus checks automatically in their checking account or through the U.S. mail. Public schools receive aid with pandemic-related costs through a reimbursement process under the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER). Under this program, public schools receive federal relief dollars only after school districts first spend their own money. School officials then must apply to be paid back. So far, Snohomish schools have been reimbursed for almost $1.289 million in pandemic-related costs. Those include technology to ensure students could continue their studies from home when COVID-19 forced learning online. Additional learning materials including books and online learning resources were also bought. When schools were able to return to in-person learning, a substantial supply of personal protective equipment (PPE), more desks and teachers were required to ensure physical distancing in the classroom. Another reimbursement request is being prepared for an additional $2.3 million for in-person learning teachers, summer school and ventilation/HVAC improvements. ESSER funds are allocated by each district’s federal Title 1 qualification in the 2019-20 school year. According to the U.S. Department of Education, Title 1 was created “to ensure economically disadvantaged children receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education...” Student enrollment, the number of children qualifying for the federal free and reduced-price meals program and other informative data determine the amount of Title 1 dollars a school district receives each year. Our relief funding falls well below our neighboring school districts. Snohomish ranks second from the bottom of Snohomish County school districts in dollars received per student. Learn more here: www.sno.wednet.edu/2022levies/faqs.
Pandemic funds tab
Have Snohomish schools received federal pandemic relief funds? Yes, but unlike individuals and families, public schools did not receive stimulus checks automatically in their checking account or through the U.S. mail. Public schools receive aid with pandemic-related costs through a reimbursement process under the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER). Under this program, public schools receive federal relief dollars only after school districts first spend their own money. School officials then must apply to be paid back. So far, Snohomish schools have been reimbursed for almost $1.289 million in pandemic-related costs. Those include technology to ensure students could continue their studies from home when COVID-19 forced learning online. Additional learning materials including books and online learning resources were also bought. When schools were able to return to in-person learning, a substantial supply of personal protective equipment (PPE), more desks and teachers were required to ensure physical distancing in the classroom. Another reimbursement request is being prepared for an additional $2.3 million for in-person learning teachers, summer school and ventilation/HVAC improvements. ESSER funds are allocated by each district’s federal Title 1 qualification in the 2019-20 school year. According to the U.S. Department of Education, Title 1 was created “to ensure economically disadvantaged children receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education...” Student enrollment, the number of children qualifying for the federal free and reduced-price meals program and other informative data determine the amount of Title 1 dollars a school district receives each year. Our relief funding falls well below our neighboring school districts. Snohomish ranks second from the bottom of Snohomish County school districts in dollars received per student. Learn more here: www.sno.wednet.edu/2022levies/faqs.
Pandemic funds bar chart
Have Snohomish schools received federal pandemic relief funds? Yes, but unlike individuals and families, public schools did not receive stimulus checks automatically in their checking account or through the U.S. mail. Public schools receive aid with pandemic-related costs through a reimbursement process under the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER). Under this program, public schools receive federal relief dollars only after school districts first spend their own money. School officials then must apply to be paid back. So far, Snohomish schools have been reimbursed for almost $1.289 million in pandemic-related costs. Those include technology to ensure students could continue their studies from home when COVID-19 forced learning online. Additional learning materials including books and online learning resources were also bought. When schools were able to return to in-person learning, a substantial supply of personal protective equipment (PPE), more desks and teachers were required to ensure physical distancing in the classroom. Another reimbursement request is being prepared for an additional $2.3 million for in-person learning teachers, summer school and ventilation/HVAC improvements. ESSER funds are allocated by each district’s federal Title 1 qualification in the 2019-20 school year. According to the U.S. Department of Education, Title 1 was created “to ensure economically disadvantaged children receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education...” Student enrollment, the number of children qualifying for the federal free and reduced-price meals program and other informative data determine the amount of Title 1 dollars a school district receives each year. Our relief funding falls well below our neighboring school districts. Snohomish ranks second from the bottom of Snohomish County school districts in dollars received per student. Learn more here: www.sno.wednet.edu/2022levies/faqs.
Quote from Brian Quantrille
Learning assistants (paraeducators) like Brian Quantrille at Glacier Peak High School help provide individualized instruction and support to students. They support academic, emotional and social learning. Snohomish schools have almost double the number of learning assistants that state funding alone would provide. Dollars from the Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy fund the additional staff, as well as a number of other caring adults needed to provide a full and rich learning experience in safe and secure schools for Snohomish School District’s almost 9,300 students. We are committed to openness and transparency. Learn more about the February 8 replacement levies on our website: www.sno.wednet.edu/2022levies.
Replacement Levy for Technology, Safety and Facility Improvements
Both the Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy and the Replacement Levy for Technology, Safety and Facility Improvements expire at the end of 2022. The 4-year proposal, beginning in 2023, features a declining overall tax rate. Stable levy rates plus the refinancing of previously voter-approved bonds create the lower overall tax rate. Rates are assessed per $1,000 of assessed property value. These levies help fill the gap between what the state funds and what it really takes to provide a full and rich learning experience in safe and secure schools for Snohomish School District’s almost 9,300 students. We are committed to openness and transparency. Learn more about the February 8, 2022 replacement levies at our website: www.sno.wednet.edu/2022levies.
Local levies help students connect with their education.
Local levies help students connect with their education through athletics, performing arts, clubs and other activities for stronger mental health and academic success. These student activities and programs are funded by the local Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy. We are committed to openness and transparency. Learn more about the February 8 replacement levies on our website: www.sno.wednet.edu/2022levies.
Why is state funding inadequate?
Why is state funding inadequate? There are several areas of education that the state does not fully fund as part of basic education. Examples include classroom support, special education services, the cost of substitute teachers, building maintenance, security staff including school resource officers, elective classes and Advanced Placement testing, as well as student activities and athletics. Districts are left to figure out how to pay for these services and programs on their own. Additionally, the state does not fund all the staff necessary to operate essential services and programs to students such as learning assistants (paraeducators), counselors and school nurses. This chart shows examples of positions that the levy funds versus the prototypical school funding model. We are committed to openness and transparency. Learn more about the February 8, 2022 replacement levies at our website: www.sno.wednet.edu/2022levies.
Replacement Levy for Technology, Safety and Facility Improvements
What would the Replacement Levy for Technology, Safety and Facility Improvements fund if it is replaced? Children today must reach higher expectations to successfully enter the workforce. To prepare them for their future, Snohomish schools must have the tools in place to meet those expectations. Technology is one of those areas where skill expectations are high. The proposed replacement levy will continue funding the purchase of computers, online curriculum and technical support for students and their teachers. As the pandemic continues, these tools continue to be a lifeline for students. We are committed to openness and transparency. Learn more about the February 8, 2022 replacement levies at our website: www.sno.wednet.edu/2022levies.
A graphic showing a teeter totter to illustrate school funding
No. Property taxes may fluctuate, but the district only collects the total amount approved by voters.
Nurses support student health in schools
For a district the size of Snohomish, the state funds just 1.41 nurses. Snohomish employs more than 12 nurses to support students in each school. The local levy funds the difference. We are committed to openness and transparency. Learn more about the February 8 replacement levies on our website: www.sno.wednet.edu/2022levies.
Are the replacement levies new taxes?
Are the replacement levies new taxes? No, the proposals are to replace two existing levies. In Snohomish, voters approved two levies in 2018 — a Replacement Levy for Educational Programs and Operations and a Technology Levy. These levies help fill the gap between what the state funds and what it really takes to provide a full and rich learning experience in safe and secure schools for Snohomish School District’s almost 9,300 students. Both levies are currently funding their intended purposes and each expires at the end of 2022.  Snohomish School District leaders have placed the Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy and the Replacement Levy for Technology, Safety and Facility Improvement on the February 8 ballot. We are committed to openness and transparency. Learn more about the February 8, 2022 replacement levies at our website: www.sno.wednet.edu/2022levies.
Quote from Supt. Kultgen
Snohomish school leaders saved local taxpayers money $818,990 over the next two years by refinancing an existing school construction bond. These savings are on top of almost $23.7 million saved in 2020 with the refinancing of an earlier existing bond. Unprecedented low interest rates made both of these savings possible. These reduced bond collections and stable proposed levy tax rates contribute to an overall declining tax rate for Snohomish School District property owners. Read the full story on our website: https://www.sno.wednet.edu/bondrefinancing
Quote from Connie Hellmund
Connie Hellmund is in her sixth year as a learning assistant in the English Language Learner (ELL) program at Central Primary Center, Emerson Elementary and Snohomish K-6 Remote. She works with small groups and in general education classrooms for individualized instruction as these new students learn English and the culture of American schools. “When you have strong relationships there is more trust,” Hellmund explained. “We want our school to feel like a community no matter what language you speak.” Learning assistants like Hellmund help provide individualized instruction and support to students. They support academic, emotional and social learning. Snohomish schools have about double the number of learning assistants that state funding alone would provide. Dollars from the local Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy fund the additional staff, as well as a number of other caring adults needed to provide a full and rich learning experience in safe and secure schools for Snohomish School District’s almost 9,300 students. Read the rest of the story on our website: https://www.sno.wednet.edu/learningassistants. Learn more about the February 8 replacement levies on our website: www.sno.wednet.edu/2022levies.
Quote from Sue Sporrong
High-Rise Engineer, Official Runner and Tub Marines are a few of the jobs learning assistant Sue Sporrong “hires” interested students to do at Little Cedars Elementary. Her jobs program - the Wolverine Workers - helps children learn about being part of a community and the value of teamwork. High-Rise Engineers are responsible for retiring the American flag each afternoon. An Official Runner carries important communication from the school office to classrooms, and Tub Marines ensure lunch boxes return to their owners’ classroom after the midday meal. “I treat this just like a business owner would for any job,” Sporrong explained. Students learn life skills as they complete applications, undergo interviews and after being hired, spend time training for their duties. Learning assistants like Sporrong help provide individualized instruction and support to students. They support academic, emotional and social learning. Snohomish schools have about double the number of learning assistants that state funding alone would provide. Dollars from the local Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy fund the additional staff, as well as a number of other caring adults needed to provide a full and rich learning experience in safe and secure schools for Snohomish School District’s almost 9,300 students. Read the rest of the story on our website: https://www.sno.wednet.edu/learningassistants. Learn more about the February 8 replacement levies on our website: www.sno.wednet.edu/2022levies.
Why aren't school district levy election in November?
Why aren’t school district levy elections in November? When voters renew levy funding, the amount is approved by calendar years – January through December. However, public school district budgets are written by the school year which starts each September, running 12 months to August of the following year. Public school budget planning begins in the spring for the next school year. To do so, school leaders must know how many dollars are available. An election date early in the year allows that thoughtful planning. Also, state law (RCW 28A.405.210) requires school leaders to let “continuing” employees know by May 15 if there will be a change to their employment for the next school year. An early in the year election date allows that mandated notification. In addition, state law (RCW 28A.505.040) requires these proposed school district budgets to be ready for public review by July 10. An election date scheduled in the first part of the calendar year makes this possible. Local school boards listen to public comments before acting on budget proposals in August. This state-mandated comment period follows weeks of local community conversation about priorities. It also allows time to know the results of votes on local levies to help fill the gap between what the state funds and what it really takes to provide a full and rich learning experience in safe and secure schools. We are committed to openness and transparency. Learn more about the February 8 replacement levies on our website: www.sno.wednet.edu/2022levies.
What would the Replacement Levy for Technology, Safety and Facility Improvements fund if it is replaced?
What would the Replacement Levy for Technology, Safety and Facility Improvements fund if it is replaced? Even with the most meticulous attention to regular maintenance and prompt repairs, every homeowner understands that over time parts of their home begin to wear out. That is no different with public schools. Overdue facility improvements: Unfortunately, failure of the 2020 bond proposal has put replacing and restoring worn out systems and infrastructure on the back burner. Older systems such as roofs, heating and ventilation systems, and siding are at or nearing the end of their useful life. At this time, more than 50 projects are under consideration and include each school and support facility in the district. Also included with these facility improvements are projects to increase safety and security and local dollars for the technology our students need to be successful in school and on whatever path they choose to follow after graduation. We are committed to openness and transparency. Learn more about the February 8, 2022 replacement levies at our website: www.sno.wednet.edu/2022levies.
Learning assistants are important to student learning and safety.
Thanks to local levies, Snohomish schools have almost double the number of learning assistants (paraeducators) that state funding alone would provide.
What do the proposed replacement levies cost?
What do the proposed replacement levies cost? The 4-year proposal, beginning in 2023, features a declining overall tax rate. Stable levy rates plus the refinancing of previously voter-approved bonds create the lower overall tax rate. Rates are assessed per $1,000 of assessed property value. We are committed to openness and transparency. Learn more about the February 8, 2022 replacement levies at our website: www.sno.wednet.edu/2022levies.
Does the local levy pay for staff positions above what the state funds? Yes.
Does the local levy pay for staff positions above what the state funds? Yes. Much of what the levy funds is people — additional caring adults to provide a full and rich learning experience in safe and secure schools. Snohomish's local levy provides 12% of its annual operating budget, including an additional 56 jobs above what the state funds. For example, the levy pays for almost double the amount of learning assistants (paraeducators) that state funding would provide. In Snohomish, each elementary school has a full-time counselor to help with the many social, emotional, and academic needs of children. The local levy helps ensure this support. For a district the size of Snohomish, the state funds just 1.41 nurses. Snohomish employs more than 12 nurses. Again, the local levy funds the difference. Nurses play pivotal roles in public schools but even more so during this pandemic. We are committed to openness and transparency. Learn more about the February 8, 2022 replacement levies at our website: www.sno.wednet.edu/2022levies.
Quote from Sheri Adams
"We help students prioritize the work they are missing and build a roadmap to catch up." - Sheri Adams, Snohomish High School Guidance Counselor
Local levies help fund maintenance support.
Snohomish schools have a talented and responsible team caring for our facilities. From custodians to maintenance workers, these employees perform their jobs as if our schools were their personal home. Local levies help fund maintenance support. We are committed to openness and transparency. Learn more about the February 8 replacement levies on our website: www.sno.wednet.edu/2022levies.
A graph showing the revenue sources of Snohomish School District
These levies help fill the gap between what the state funds and what it really takes to provide a full and rich learning experience in safe and secure schools for Snohomish School District’s almost 9,300 students.
A graphic with the Q&A
In all 295 school districts in Washington state, local levy dollars fill the gap — nearly 12% of Snohomish's operating budget — between the amount of money the state allocates and what it takes to provide a full and rich learning experience in safe and secure schools for our local students.
Learning assistants are important to student learning and safety
Thanks to local levies, Snohomish schools have almost double the number of learning assistants (paraeducators) that state funding alone would provide. Learning assistants (paraeducators) help provide individualized instruction and support to students. They support academic, emotional and social learning. Dollars from the Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy fund the additional staff, as well as a number of other caring adults needed to provide a full and rich learning experience in safe and secure schools for Snohomish School District’s almost 9,300 students. We are committed to openness and transparency. Learn more about the February 8 replacement levies on our website: www.sno.wednet.edu/2022levies.
Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy
Both the Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy and the Replacement Levy for Technology, Safety and Facility Improvements expire at the end of 2022. The 4-year proposal, beginning in 2023, features a declining overall tax rate. Stable levy rates plus the refinancing of previously voter-approved bonds create the lower overall tax rate. Rates are assessed per $1,000 of assessed property value. These levies help fill the gap between what the state funds and what it really takes to provide a full and rich learning experience in safe and secure schools for Snohomish School District’s almost 9,300 students. We are committed to openness and transparency. Learn more about the February 8, 2022 replacement levies at our website: www.sno.wednet.edu/2022levies.