The Washougal School Board of Directors has approved a replacement Enhanced Programs & Operations Levy and Technology Levy on the February 11, 2020 ballot at their November 26, 2019 board meeting.

Enhanced Programs & Operations Levy

Washougal voters will be asked to consider a replacement Enhanced Programs and Operations Levy (EP&O) to fund services and operations not funded by the state or federal government.  These services include:

• Instructional Support
  • Librarians, secretaries, paraeducators, textbooks, curriculum, food service, AVID program, Community Education Programs
• Student Learning & Staffing
  • Art & music, Advanced Placement, Highly Capable Program, professional development & training, substitute teachers, classified staff substitutes, special education supports, English Language Learner support
• Athletics & Activities
  • School athletics, coaches, advisors, performing arts programs, extra-curricular activities, transportation
• Operations & Maintenance
  • Custodians, grounds staff, maintenance staff, utilities, supplies, equipment, fuel, vehicles
• Health & Safety
  • Security staff, counselors, nurses, Family Resource Coordinators

The EP&O Levy will be assessed at $2.14 per thousand of assessed value for tax years 2021, 2022, and 2023.  The levy is projected to collect generate $7,392,656 in 2021, $7,984,068 in 2022, and $8,622,793 in tax year 2023.

If the replacement EP&O Levy is approved, Washougal will expand its educational offerings so the district can know, nurture, and challenge all students to rise!  Starting in 2021, levy funds will:

• Develop  a high school and middle school orchestra program
• Add social/emotional and behavior supports
• Increase Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) opportunities
• Offer a dual language immersion program
• Expand Club 8 afterschool programs to elementary schools

Technology Levy

Technology Levy dollars pay for the district’s 1:1 initiative, up-to-date computers and devices, classroom instructional technology, professional development and coaching, technology infrastructure and staffing, and digital curriculum and software.

The Technology Levy will be assessed at $0.25 per thousand of assessed value for tax year 2021, $.024 per thousand in 2022, and and $0.22 in tax year 2023.  The levy is projected to collect generate $845,000 in 2021, $870,000 in 2022, and $898,000 in tax year 2023.

What does this cost taxpayers?

If approved by voters, the EP&O levy will cost property owners $2.14 per thousand, and the tech levy will cost $0.25 per thousand.  This will bring property taxes for schools to about the same rate as they were in 2017, before the state implemented a levy swap.  The chart below shows the rate per thousand for  state levy for schools, the EP&O levy, the tech levy, and our school construction bond over time.  

How much will it cost me?

An owner of a $325,000 home (the Washougal average) would pay about $777 per year, or $65 per month for both levies.  This amounts to an increase of about $4.06 per month in 2021, compared to the current tax rates.

To calculate your estimated tax for the combined rates, use this formula:

(assessed home value)  multiplied by $2.39 then divide by 1,000 = annual amount

Are there tax exemptions?

Yes, disabled persons and those over 61 years of age may be eligible for a tax exemption.  For information about these programs, contact the county assessor’s office for your county.  Clark County Assessor is at 360-397-2391 or Skamania County Assessor at 509-427-3720.

Additional Information

For more information about school district funding, please contact Director of Business Services Kris Grindy at 360-954-3003, or contact the Washougal School District at 360-954-3000.