How levy funds support students and staff

Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy

• The state’s basic education funding covers just 17.5 (FTE) paraeducators (learning assistants) in Snohomish. Thanks to local levy support - along with other funding sources - the Snohomish School District employs more than 250 part- and full-time (135.7 FTE) paraeducators. These caring adults play a vital role in creating supportive and enriching learning environments for our students.
• The district incurs an annual cost of approximately $24.38 million to provide Special Education services to its students. State and federal funding contribute about $20.533 million per year, leaving the local levy responsible for covering the remaining $3.85 million annually.
• The state requires school districts to provide teachers and classified staff with 12 days of paid sick leave each year. However, it does not provide any funding to cover these sick days for classified staff and only allocates enough to cover the cost of substitutes for about 4 of the 12 days for teachers. While the state contributes approximately $260,000 toward the district’s $3.0 million in total substitute coverage costs, the remaining $2.7 million must be funded through the local levy.
• The school district’s school resource officers (Snohomish County Sheriff Department), who are based at district high schools, are funded entirely through the local levy.
• The state funds 1.5 psychologists for academic supports. There are 12.8 school psychologists across the district, meaning 11.3 are funded through local levy dollars.
• All Snohomish Aquatic Center operational funding comes from local levy funding and facility fees.
• The local levy funds a wide variety of after school activities at our elementary, middle, and high schools such as:
  • The cost of middle and high school athletics including the cost of coaches, uniforms, field and facility upkeep, and transportation to athletic competitions.
  • After-school clubs and activities to help provide students with stronger mental health and academic success. Examples include speech and debate, game clubs, robotics, Knowledge Bowl, book clubs, kindness clubs, etc. All our schools offer clubs and after-school activities.
  • Academic summer programming through the district’s Summer Academy for students in 1st through 6th grades.
  • High school theatre performances. Both Glacier Peak High School and Snohomish High School present plays and musicals each year.

Replacement Levy for Technology, Safety and Facility Improvements

• All K-12 students in the district have access to 1:1 devices for home and school use, supporting their learning. Classroom teachers are also equipped with 1:1 devices to enhance instruction.
• The school district has significantly enhanced campus security by installing and upgrading more than 250 security cameras, along with viewing platforms and other vital equipment, across multiple locations. These cameras are strategically placed in high-traffic areas, including both interior spaces and exterior locations such as athletic fields and parking lots, ensuring comprehensive coverage throughout the district. Approximately $1.5 million has been invested to enhance the district’s security infrastructure through the installation of these cameras and related equipment.
• Roof replacements have been completed at Central Campus; Cascade View Elementary, Seattle Hill Elementary and Dutch Hill Elementary portables; Snohomish High School gymnasium and commons; and Resource and Service Center.
• Stadium lights and the sound system at Veterans Memorial Stadium have been upgraded and replaced.
• The main gym floors at Glacier Peak High School and Snohomish High School have been sanded, repainted, and relined.
• Expansion projects at Central Emerson Elementary include upgrades to the kitchen and parking lot. The campus also replaced the domestic water boost pump.
• Replacement of the rooftop air handling unit at Dutch Hill Elementary.
• Installation of double portable classrooms at Cathcart Elementary, Dutch Hill Elementary, and Machias Elementary.
• Siding (full or spot) has been replaced at Totem Falls Elementary, Seattle Hill Elementary, Dutch Hill Elementary, Central Campus, Cascade View Elementary portables, and the Cathcart Elementary covered play area.
• The artificial athletic field turf at Centennial Middle School (football/soccer) and Valley View Middle School (softball infield) has been replaced.
• Central Campus relocation of the Parent Partnership Program.
• Repairs and replacements at the Snohomish Aquatic Center include new salt generators for the recreation and competition pools, as well as the upcoming slide tower and platform replacement.
• Thanks to a district-wide lighting project, we're getting better lighting, reducing energy costs, and embracing eco-friendly solutions.
  • During the summer 2024, 320 lighting fixtures and 883 lightbulbs were upgraded as part of a retrofit project at Veterans Memorial Stadium, Glacier Peak High School (classrooms, library, and commons), Snohomish High School (parking lots, gymnasium, and metal shop), and Valley View Middle School commons.
  • Upgrading to LEDs is like swapping a flip phone for the latest smartphone - brighter, more efficient, and longer-lasting! LED bulbs don’t just provide better brightness, and a wider beam spread. On average, LED bulbs have a lifespan of up to 25,000-35,000 hours, compared to 10,000-15,000 hours for traditional compact fluorescent lamps (CFL).
  • Future district lighting projects will focus on high-bay areas and shared spaces such as gymnasiums, multipurpose rooms, libraries, and exteriors.