Replacement Educational Programs & Operations Levy
2026-2029 Replacement Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy
Thanks to the support of our community, Newport School District has developed an excellent educational program for our children.
Why do we need EP&O Levies?
- The current supplemental levy will expire at the end of this school year.
- EP&O levy dollars help us to maintain current district programs and services.
- EP&O levy dollars help to support unfunded state programs like student activities or enhance current district operations and support expenditures like the school resource officer, school nurse and funding for NSD Home Link & PORS facilities.
- We must have a supplemental levy in place to receive matching LEA funds.
2026-2029 Replacement EP&O Levy
The State of Washington provides baseline funding to districts meant to cover the costs associated with what is referred to as “Basic Education.” Not included in the state’s model are programs such as athletics, performing arts, advanced courses, clubs and activities, transportation, safety and security, additional staffing and a host of other services that have been a staple of Newport’s educational program for decades. For this reason, nearly every school district in Washington State, like Newport, runs EP&O levies to help supplement state funding. This levy replaces our expiring three year levy and would ensure the Newport School District ability to continue to provide safe learning environments, quality educational programs and extracurricular opportunities our students greatly need and deserve.
| PROPOSED REPLACEMENT EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND OPERATIONS LEVY | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extra-Curricular Programs: Fully supports the extra-curricular programs and includes all salaries/benefits, athletic safety equipment, personnel training, officials and transportation. | $697,000 | $711,168 | $711,168 |
| Staffing for Student Support: These positions are focused on the emotional and physical safety of the students in our buildings. They include counselors, funding of Dean of Students at Stratton Elementary and Sadie Halstead, Student Engagement Coordinator. Funds three district “roaming” substitutes allowing sufficient class coverage. | $721,250 | $783,563 | $816,442 |
| Staffing Over State Reimbursement: These funds support smaller elementary school class sizes, our K - 12 highly capable program, our K - 4 Science Technology Engineering Arts Math (STEAM) teacher, and school librarians. Funds four additional elementary teachers allowing for smaller class sizes in the primary levels. | $728,303 | $766,500 | $804,826 |
| Chromebooks: To support the 1:1 student Chromebook ratio in our district, which teachers use to facilitate the delivery of curriculum in the classroom and remotely. | $30,000 | $30,000 | $30,000 |
| Health and Safety: Assists in funding 1.5 nurses as well as a full-time School Resource Officer. Security cameras for schools. | $215,000 | $247,500 | $254,225 |
| Student Transportation: Funds the gap between state reimbursed transportation and actual costs. | $110,000 | $115,000 | $118,000 |
| Facilities and Equipment: Funds are to support the purchase of an additional portable for the NSD Home Link Program as well as providing funds to support the PORS Facility. Moneys will be used to update aging equipment in our building's kitchen as well as overall facility maintenance. | $274,309 | $262,674 | $270,286 |
| KUBS F.M. Radio Station: Funds will support KUBS FM broadcasting and live streaming and radio personnel. | $35,000 | $35,000 | $35,000 |
| TOTAL LEVY AMOUNT PER YEAR | $2,810,862 | $2,951,405 | $3,039,974 |
What will this levy cost?
The estimated levy rate for the 2026-2029 replacement EP&O levy is $1.45 per thousand, $0.05 less than what voters approved previously. Levy revenue is fixed. Therefore, if assessed value in the taxing district exceeds estimates, the rate per thousand for taxpayers will decrease below $1.45 per thousand.
Note: Senior and disabled citizens may be eligible for a homeowner's exemption. Exemptions are based upon income and must be applied for. To see if you qualify, contact the Pend Oreille County Assessor at (509) 447-4312.
| Cost at $1.45 per Thousand | Projected Annual Cost | Projected Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Per $100K of Assessed Value | $145 | $12.08 |
| $400K Assessed Value | $580 | $48.33 |
