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Lake Schools

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Latest Issue:

Lake Schools - Winter 2025-26 (PDF)

Renewal school levies maintain student programs—without raising taxes

Jan. 19, 2026

In February, voters will consider the renewal of our district’s levies: the Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy and the Technology Levy. These are not new taxes. They replace the four-year levies that expire at the end of 2026 and would continue funding the programs, operations and staffing our schools rely on today.

School funding can be confusing, but one simple way to remember the difference is this: levies provide for learning, bonds provide for buildings. Levies help pay for day-to-day educational programs, staff and technology. Bonds, like the school construction bond our community approved in February 2025, can only be used for building projects such as new schools, modernizations and major repairs—not for staff, classroom programs or student devices.

Educational Programs and Operations Levy

The EP&O Levy renewal would continue funding day-to-day school operations, including: hiring quality educators to support smaller class sizes and plan for continued student enrollment growth; providing full-time nurses at each school and student mental health support specialists at our secondary schools; hiring security staff and enhancing safety systems; continuing funding for early learning programs and access to extracurricular activities, athletics, arts and music.

The EP and O Levy renews the funding for day-to-day school operations and student supports

The EP&O Levy renews the funding for day-to-day school operations and student supports.

Technology Levy

The Technology Levy renewal would continue our investment in student and staff technology. It funds student computers to maintain our 1:1 device program, technology support for students and families, training for staff, network and cyber security, safety equipment, and updates to classroom technology and systems.

The Technology Levy renews funding for devices, classroom tech, network & cybersecurity

The Technology Levy renews funding for devices, classroom tech, network & cybersecurity.

Together, these local levies help bridge the gap between what the state funds and the actual cost to operate schools. Because they are renewals—not new taxes—they would maintain the services and opportunities students and families count on every day.

For more information, visit our 2026 Renewal Levies page.

Levies are for learning, and bonds are for buildings.

Levies are for learning, and bonds are for buildings. Levies require 50%+1 approval to pass. Bonds require 60% approval to pass.

A hand dropping a ballot into a ballot box

Please vote!

Ballots will be mailed to registered Lake Stevens School District voters around Jan. 23 and Election Day is Tuesday, February 10. You don’t need a stamp to return your ballot. In Lake Stevens, we have a 24-hour secure ballot drop box at 1800 Main Street by the boat launch. The drop box closes at 8 p.m. on Election Day. To register to vote, or to update your registration, visit: vote.wa.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

I just voted on a measure for the school district. What is this?

Lake Stevens School District voters approved a School Construction Bond in February 2025. Thank you! Bond funds can only be used for building projects such as new schools, modernizations and major repairs—not for staff, classroom programs or student devices. Levies must be renewed every four years.

Will I pay more taxes if I support these levy renewals?

No. These levies are renewals, not new taxes. They replace the current levies, which expire at the end of 2026. Because our community has grown—both in residents and businesses—we anticipate a lower overall local school tax rate while maintaining the services students and families rely on.

How does LSSD fund its schools, and why are local levies necessary?

Schools are funded through a combination of state, federal and local dollars. The state provides most funding, but not all the costs of running schools—such as additional staff, classroom resources, technology, and many safety and support services. Local levies help fill that gap by funding:

  • Safety and security measures in all schools

  • Educational programs like early learning, extracurriculars, and college/career readiness

  • Staffing such as teachers, nurses, mental health specialists, and support staff

  • Technology including devices, classroom tech, network upgrades and staff training

These measures are renewals, not new taxes.

Didn’t the state increase school funding—why are levies still needed?

The state increased its share of school funding in recent years, but those dollars must be spent in very specific ways and do not cover the full cost of staff pay and benefits, special education, transportation, counseling, nursing and other needs. Local levies allow our community to maintain programs and services based on what works best for Lake Stevens students.

For more details, visit our 2026 Levy FAQ.

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