2022 Renewal School Program & Operations Levy
On February 8 2022, Elma voters will be asked to renew the expiring Education Program & Operations Levy.
The current Education Program & Operations levy (EP&O), which voters approved in 2020, is set to expire in 2022. The renewal of the EP&O levy would not be a new tax; it would be a replacement of an expiring levy.
289 of 295 school districts in Washington State rely on local levy funds to bridge the gap between what the state funds as basic education and the cost of all programs, services, and essential staff the Elma School District provides for its students. Those that don't are on Federal property and rely entirely on federal funds due to lack of taxable land.
What does the levy pay for?
A renewal of the two-year EP&O levy would continue to fund many critical day-to-day operations, programs, services and essential staff, not fully funded by the state, such as:
- Athletics and extracurricular activities, including band, choir and drama
- After and before school enrichment programs
- Additional staff beyond what the state provides funding for, such as nurses, counselors, paraeducators
- Additional teachers beyond what the state provides funding for, to keep class sizes low
- School safety and security
- Student support programs
- Professional learning for staff
- Operations and building maintenance costs
- Supplies and materials
- Salaries and benefits beyond what the state funds so that Elma can remain competitive with surrounding school districts and attract/retain quality staff
- Technology equipment, updates and improvements
Cost Information
As of December 2021, Elma taxpayers are currently paying a tax rate of $2.19 per $1,000 of assessed property value for the expiring EP&O levy. If approved by voters, the replacement EP&O Levy estimated amount of $2.19* per $1,000 of assessed property value will generate a maximum of:
- $3,034,031 in 2023 (estimated $2.19 per $1,000 of assessed property value*)
- $3,422,623 in 2024 (estimated $2.19 per $1,000 of assessed property value*)
* The estimated tax rates are based upon information provided by the Grays Harbor Assessor's Office at this time. The exact levy rate to be collected shall be adjusted based upon the actual assessed value of the property within the Elma School District at the time of the levy.