This renewal levy replaces the expiring levy (which voters approved in 2021). The levy used to be known as the Educational Programs & Operations Levy. 

While Washington State approved enhanced funding for K-12 public schools in recent years (known as the McCleary fix), the state still does not provide enough funding to fully educate BISD students.

EXAMPLE: For a district our size, the state believes it is sufficient to employ the equivalent of 0. 38 of a psychologist to support our 3,400+ students. BISD believes psychologists play an important role in the success of our students and that employing less than one half-time psychologist isn’t sufficient. Instead, we employ 3.85 FTE psychologists. Their salaries and benefits are paid from the Enrichment Levy.  

The Washington State Legislature approved Engrossed House Bill 2242 in June 2017, changing how the state funds public education. In the bill, the legislature updated the terminology school districts could use for local levies and changed it from the Educational Programs & Operations Levy to the Enrichment & Operations Levy. 

While the name “enrichment” may conjure up the notion of “extras,” BISD’s Enrichment & Operations Levy is crucial in operating our schools. In recent history, BISD has never operated without local levy support. 

The funds from the levy make up a significant portion of BISD’s annual general fund budget. Out of BISD’s 2023-24 revenue budget( $63,098,920), the Enrichment Levy supports 16.5% of the revenue ($10,407,173). 

• Enriched Staffing 
  
  • Robust specialist programming (art, STEM, music, electives, etc.)
  • Multi-Tiered Systems of Support — Getting the right support to the right kids at the right time 
  • Special education 
  • Student intervention and enhanced support  
• Student Support
  
  • Counselors, nurses, paraeducators 
• District-wide Support  
  
  • Maintenance, custodial, transportation, central office
• Professional Development/Training 
•  Support of Extracurricular & Student Activities
  
  • Coaching
  • Class and Club advisors

For districts with less than 40,000 full-time students, Enrichment & Operations Levies are capped at the lesser of:
– $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed value or
– $2,988 per full-time equivalent student. BISD falls into this category because of the high assessed property values on Bainbridge Island. 

2025: $11.9 million
2026: $12.25 million
2027: $12.6 million
2028: $12.95 million

If approved, this levy will be collected in 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028.

2025: $0.85 per $1,000 assessed value
2026: $0.85 per $1,000 assessed value
2027: $0.85 per $1,000 assessed value
2028: $0.85 per $1,000 assessed value
*For reference: In 2023, the BISD’s E&O levy rate was $0.81 per $1,000 assessed value

Projecting our current revenue/expenditures into next year, BISD is faced with an anticipated $3.5-$4.5 million shortfall. If BISD no longer receives funding from the E&O Levy in 2025 (remember, collection on this levy would begin in 2025), we would need to cut our budget by approximately an additional $11.9 million for the 2025-26 school year. 

Without the E&O Levy, further cuts would be required in 2025-26 and beyond.

• PROPOSITION NO. 1

  BAINBRIDGE ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 303
  RENEWAL ENRICHMENT AND OPERATIONS LEVY

   

  The Board of Directors of Bainbridge Island School District No. 303 approved Resolution No. 02-23-24, concerning the replacement of an expiring school enrichment and operations levy. This proposition provides funding for educational programs and operations not funded by the State. If approved, Proposition 1 will authorize the District to levy the following excess taxes, on all taxable property within the District, as provided in Resolution No. 02-23-24: 
  
  Collection Years      Approx. Levy Rate per $1,000 AV      Levy Amount
  2025                              $0.85                                             $11,900,000 
  2026                              $0.85                                             $12,250,000
  2027                              $0.85                                             $12,600,000
  2028                              $0.85                                             $12,950,000
  
  Should this proposition be approved?
  YES  []
  NO   []