Is this a new tax?

No, the proposed levies would renew EP&O and Capital levy funding measures that Washougal voters approved in April 2023. If approved by voters, the two levies continue collecting property taxes that Washougal taxpayers are already paying.

Can impact fees fund some of the items that the capital levy is going to pay for?

No, impact fees are only able to be collected when a school district has increasing enrollment. Currently, Washougal Schools are not experiencing growth that would let us levy impact fees. Also, impact fees can only fund items that are attributable to growth included in the capital facility plan, like building new classrooms, purchasing land for a new school, or adding portables.

What’s the difference between bonds and levies?

Voters approved a bond in 2015. An easy way to remember the difference between bonds and levies is that bonds are for building, and levies are for learning. The bond funded construction of the Jemtegaard Middle School replacement, and the new Columbia River Gorge Elementary, as well as the Transportation facility and the new Excelsior building at WHS. School bonds are used to fund large construction projects, like new schools, or major remodels.

The capital levy will create capacity to do some needed facility improvements to keep our schools in great shape and protect the communities investment in excellent learning spaces.

How much will this cost us?

The levy rates are projected to be $1.95 per $1000 of assessed home value (AV) for the EP&O Levy, and $.62 per $1000 AV for the Capital Levy in 2027. If approved by voters, the rate per $1000 will stay at that level for three years.

How does this compare to what I’m already paying in taxes?

The total amount collected will decrease from tax year 2026 to tax year 2027. The district has worked closely with the school board to only ask for what is needed to offer programs our community expects for our students, and to keep our schools in good working order.

You can calculate your 2027 estimated taxes for the combined replacement levies, using the following formula:

[assessed home value] x $2.57 / 1,000 = annual amount.

The equation above uses $2.57, Washougal School District’s projected 2027 total local levy tax rate ($1.95estimated EP&O levy rate plus $.62 estimated Capital Levy rate).

Will there be a rollback of levy amounts that voters approve, like there was in 2024 and 2025?

The district is asking voters to approve an amount that is lower than the levy lid, so there should not be a roll back needed in future years.

What positions does the levy fund?

The levy funds staffing above what the state provides funding for. This includes additional teachers, counselors, library staff, and Special Education staff. It also pays for additional paraeducators, secretaries, security staff, grounds and maintenance, bus drivers, technology staffing, substitute teachers, and school nurses.

The levy funds staffing needs above what the state provides funding for. This may include, but is not limited to; teachers, counselors, library staffing, special education, paraeducators, secretaries, grounds and maintenance, security, technology, nurses, and substitutes for both teachers and other educational staff.

How are levy funds used in the elementary schools?

Elementary schools receive levy funding for these types of expenditures and staffing:

  • Lower class sizes by having more teachers than the state provides for
  • Additional nurses, counselors, and support staff
  • Teachers for music & art which are not funded by the state
  • Technology devices & staffing to support teachers
  • Curriculum and instructional materials
  • Additional special education support
  • Recess aides, instructional paraeducators
  • Field trips
  • Highly capable program support
  • Fifth grade band
  • Dual language staffing & curriculum

What does a renewal levy mean?

This is not a new tax. Washougal voters have consistently supported schools with an EP&O tax since 1982.

When can I vote?

Ballots are due by February 10, 2026. Washougal voters will receive ballots by mail in late January. Voters can return completed ballots by mail or using a Clark County Elections dropbox or Skamania County Elections dropbox.

Note:

  • If voting by mail, ballots must be postmarked no later than Election Day;
  • If using a drop box, ballot must be turned in by 8 pm on Election Day;
  • If returned in person to the Elections Office, it must be received by 8 pm on Election Day.

When should I return my ballot if I’m sending it in the mail?

The USPS recommends that you mail a week before Election Day. After that, we recommend using an official ballot drop box. Drop boxes are open until 8 p.m. on Election Day. For a personalized list of drop box locations and voting centers, sign in to VoteWA.gov or view a list of locations that will be open during the Election on our Current Election Information page. Visit the Washington State Auditor’s website to learn more about this change.

What if I don’t receive a ballot?

Ballots will get mailed on January 23. If a voter hasn’t received it by about January 28, you can contact the elections office to request a replacement ballot.

Clark County Elections dropbox or Skamania County Elections dropbox.

I see that the Capital Levy has decreased from the past two years. What does that fund?

If approved, the Capital Levy would continue our investment to keep student and teacher technology up to date. The Capital Levy would be used to replace the Heating & Air Conditioning systems at Cape Horn-Skye & Canyon Creek, the A/C at Washougal High School, add additional safety and security systems at our schools, repair parking lots and replace playground structures, resurface the tennis courts, replace the lights in the performing arts center at WHS, and other facility projects to keep our schools in good shape for students and staff.

The district’s facilities staff worked with our leadership team to identify and prioritize facility needs. The community is being asked to approve a renewal of the Capital Levy which will fund projects at every Washougal school over the three years of the levy. This list below provides details about which types of projects are included within each heading:

  • Safety & Security upgrades – $3.0 million
      • Classroom notification system for lockdowns
      • Replace aging fire alarm panels and improve life/safety systems
      • Replace failing security cameras
      • Add Security wall for CCMS courtyard
      • Enhance emergency preparedness by replacing generators at several sites
  • Heating & Cooling systems – $1.8 million
      • Replace 26 year old chiller (Air Conditioning system) at WHS
      • Replace 26 year old chiller Boilers and Chiller at Cape/CCMS
      • Required HVAC system retro-commissioning at Gause
  • PE, Performing Arts & Athletics investments – $300,000
      • Replacing failing PA systems in gymnasiums
      • Adding sound & projection systems to support PE classes
      • Resurfacing Tennis courts at WHS and Cape Horn-Skye/CCMS
  • Carpeting & hallway repairs – $200,000
      • Replace worn out classroom carpet at WHS
      • Add durable wall covering to CRGE/JMS hallways to protect drywall in high traffic areas
  • Playgrounds and Parking Lots – $800,000
      • Replace aging playground equipment and add drainage/fall protection
      • Traffic calming improvements for the WHS parking lots
      • Resurface or reseal parking lots at most sites
  • Technology – $1.8 million per year
    • Teacher & student devices
    • Internet filtering & safety systems for student safety
    • Technology staff
    • Network infrastructure and Internet access for all classrooms
    • Qmlativ and software for district staff

It has been 25 years since most of our schools were last remodeled. These additional projects planned within the Capital Levy will help us preserve the community’s investment in great school facilities, and help ensure these schools last to serve another generation of Washougal’s students.

Are there tax exemptions?

Yes, people with disabilities or those 61 years of age or older may be eligible for a tax exemption. For more information, contact the Assessor’s Office in Clark County (564-397-4641) or Skamania County (509-427-3720).