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Technology Levy » Bonds & Levies FAQ

Bonds & Levies FAQ

A bond is a request by a school district of voters to sell bonds to raise cash for capital expenses, usually substantial projects. Bonds are the only means through which districts can build schools.

State matching funds help supplement local bond and capital levy dollars to build, remodel, and renovate K-12 schools.  For example, if a district needs to build new school buildings and remodel others, voters are asked to approve a construction bond.  The bond, once approved by voters, may be supplemented by state matching dollars to help the district fund facilities needed.

Only after a district passes its bond or capital levy is it eligible to apply for a matching grant from the state. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) approves projects and administers the state matching funds to K-12 school districts based upon a mix of factors such as the need for space, building conditions, project timelines, etc., as well as local and state funds available.

A levy is a request by a school district of voters to raise or continue property taxes for a limited number of years for operations costs or capital improvements such as computers or other equipment. Local levies bridge the gap between state funding and what it actually costs to operate schools. 

The Educational Programs Levy is used to support and maintain the district’s K-12 educational programs, fund day-to-day operations, including classroom teachers, librarians, nurses, textbooks and instructional materials, athletics, arts, and music programs and security.

This levy does not create an additional tax burden on district property owners. The current rate is $4.17 per $1,000 of home valuation.

This levy accounts for 22% of the district's annual budget.

The Technology Capital Improvements Levy is used to supply classrooms with technology that is competitive with our neighboring districts. Each classroom will be provided with a laptop, document camera and interactive whiteboard or display. In schools where this has been funded by local PTAs, technology resources like individual student tablets could be added. The levy is also used to acquire instructional hardware, software, upgrade our infrastructure, and provide training to staff which will help integrate these new technologies into our classroom instruction.

A one-time levy, costing taxpayers 50 cents per $1000 for two years only.

Why do we need levies?

 
White River School District receives funding from state and federal sources, but also relies on local, voter-approved levies to ensure our students, schools and staff have what they need. The levies help bridge the gap between what the state funds and what we need to educate our students.  All levies approved by White River voters stay in our school district. We are asking just for what we need to continue and maintain the current level of services and programs for students.