Bond & Levy Basics
Local, Voter-Approved Levies and Bonds are Necessary to Maintain High Quality Programs for Kids
School districts in Washington State rely on three (3) primary sources of revenue to support operations and educational programs- state funds, federal funds and local levy dollars. The largest source of funding is the state which provides about 75% of our annual revenue. The federal government provides about 10%. Local funding in the form of voter-approved levies accounts for the remaining 15%.
Local Levies for Programs, Operations, Technology, Safety and Improvements (UPSD Propositions #1 and #3)
Local school levies provide funding for a set period of time (typically 4 years) and then “expire”. To maintain current levels of programming, operation and maintenance, school districts regularly ask citizens to renew or replace the levies one year prior to their expiration. Local levies fund the ongoing, everyday costs of running and maintaining schools that are not paid for by the state. Many of the typical things families expect in schools are funded by local levies. These “replacement” levies provide an ongoing source of revenue and contribute significantly to stable budgets and allow districts to maintain comprehensive programming.
School levies require voter approval. A “simple majority” of at least 50% is required to pass a levy and there are no validation requirements.
91%
Average graduation rate
44
Clubs and co-curriculars
School Construction Bonds (UPSD Proposition #2)
School construction bonds are necessary to replace or renovate deteriorating schools. State funds can be used to support construction but only if a bond is passed by local citizens. Local funding accounts for more than 85% of school construction costs.
UPSD last passed a bond in 2006. Bonds are used to build or renovate schools and typically spread that cost out over 20 years.
School construction bonds require voter approval. A "supermajority" of at least 60% is required to pass a bond. Bond measures must also meet specific validation requirements based on voter turnout in the prior election.