The Sedro-Woolley School District Board of Directors tonight unanimously approved resolutions to place two renewal measures on the February 2026 special election ballot: a four-year Educational Programs & Operations (EPO) Levy and a six-year Educational Facility Maintenance, Technology, and Safety Levy. These measures replace expiring levies and are not new taxes.
What the renewal levies would fund
Proposition 1 — Educational Programs & Operations (EPO) Levy (2027–2030)
Local EPO funding helps pay for day-to-day operations and staff that the state does not fully fund, including teachers, paraeducators, nurses, psychologists, student transportation beyond the minimum, campus safety, technology, athletics, activities, arts, and libraries.
The local levy fills the gap between what the state funds and what schools actually need to operate. For example, during the 2025-2026 school year:
The state funds about 219 teachers, but the district needs 246, meaning the levy helps pay for 26 more teachers so students can have smaller classes and more course options.
The state funds about 46 paraeducators, but the district needs 101, so levy dollars cover 55 additional paraeducator positions who help in classrooms, on playgrounds, and at crosswalks.
The state funds just over three nurses for all schools, but the district needs nine. Local funds cover about six additional nurses.
The state funds less than one school psychologist, but the district employs six to support students and meet legal timelines for evaluations. The levy covers about five additional psychologists.
The state funds about seven custodial and maintenance staff, but the district needs 29 to keep buildings clean, safe, and working. Levy funds provide 22 more staff members for those duties.
The state funds less than one security position, but the district employs three across schools. Local levy funds support about two more safety staff to help keep campuses secure.
The state provides no dedicated funding for athletics, clubs, or extracurricular programs. Local levy dollars pay 100 percent of the district’s $1.14 million budget for these activities, including sports transportation, coaching stipends, and student clubs.
Proposition 2 — Educational Facility Maintenance, Technology, and Safety Levy (2027–2032)
Local capital levy funding maintains safe, accessible, and operational schools. Districtwide items include ongoing technology replacement, security camera upgrades and maintenance, telephone system replacement, flooring and student furniture replacement, exterior painting, ADA improvements, and a School Resource Officer partnership. Facility projects include roof, plumbing, window and HVAC control replacements; ADA entries and restrooms; athletic field/track replacements; pavement and parking work; kitchen capacity upgrades; and phased planning to eventually remodel Evergreen.
Estimated tax rates and yearly collections
Proposition 1 — EPO Levy (rate per $1,000 of assessed value):
2027: $2.50 — $15,867,484
2028: $2.50 — $16,343,509
2029: $2.50 — $16,824,127
2030: $2.50 — $17,328,851
Proposition 2 — Facility, Technology, and Safety Levy (rate per $1,000 of assessed value):
2027: $0.42 — $2,654,333
2028: $0.41 — $2,654,333
2029: $0.40 — $2,654,333
2030: $0.40 — $2,654,333
2031: $0.39 — $2,654,333
2032: $0.38 — $2,654,333
What “levy lid” and capped amounts mean
Voters approve a total dollar amount for each year. The district may collect only up to that amount, even if property values rise. As assessed values change, the rate per $1,000 can adjust to ensure the district collects no more than the voter-approved total. This is sometimes called the “levy lid.”
“Tonight’s board action places two renewal measures before voters in February that continue the services our students use every day,” Interim Superintendent Brian Isakson said. “State funding does not cover all of the staff and programs needed to run our schools. The EPO renewal helps fund positions like teachers, paraeducators, nurses, and school psychologists, while the capital renewal maintains safe facilities, learning spaces, and technology. These proposals replace expiring levies and maintain current operations.”
Senior and disability tax relief
Washington offers property-tax exemptions and deferrals for qualifying seniors and individuals with disabilities. Skagit County provides an online application portal. Current income limits include a $48,000 maximum combined household income threshold for the exemption program.
Next steps
The district will advertise for voter pamphlet committee volunteers Nov. 11–14 per RCW 29A.32.280 (statements “for” and “against”). https://forms.gle/UwuksfHFQk1iZM386
The board plans to appoint committee members Nov. 24.
The Skagit County Auditor will provide instructions and deadlines for statements due by December 15.
Media contacts
Sedro-Woolley School District Communications
Ruth Richardson | 360-855-3500 | swsdcoms@swsd101.org
About Sedro-Woolley School District
Sedro-Woolley School District serves approximately 4,300 students across several communities in eastern Skagit County. The district’s mission is that every student graduates with the knowledge and skills for future learning and success.
This release is intended to provide factual, neutral information about the February 2026 ballot measures in alignment with Washington State Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) guidelines.