How does Washington’s current school levy system work? Currently, local school levies must receive both a 60% supermajority approval and meet the 40% validation requirement to pass.
What would EHJR 4204 do? EHJR 4204 would amend the Washington State Constitution and would provide that a simple majority of voters (50% + 1) could authorize local school district levies. The amendment also removes the 40% election validation requirement for levy elections. It does NOT apply to school bond elections.
What do school levies pay for? Local levies support school needs. In our District, the levies help to support education programs and school operations such as decreased class sizes, foreign language teachers, and technology. Levies help to ensure that our District can provide a well-rounded, quality education to each student.
What happens if school levies don’t pass? Levy failures can result in budget cuts, which require program cuts, staff and/or teacher layoffs, and other disruptions.
Do all types of levies require a “supermajority” to pass? No. Regular tax levies do not require a super majority approval. Public hospital districts, metropolitan park districts, and other taxing jurisdictions can pass levies to operate hospitals, parks, and other facilities with a simple majority vote. School districts are held to the “supermajority” standard to pass a local levy.
How are voters informed about upcoming school levy elections? 36 of 39 Washington Counties have adopted all mail elections, requiring that ballots be mailed to voters at least 18 days in advance of the election.
Where do Washington’s public schools rank nationally in education? Washington State ranks 46th in the nation in average class size and 42nd in overall school spending. But according to our State Constitution, education is the “paramount duty” of Washington State.
Where can I find more information? WA State PTA