Frequently Asked Questions

Washington is only legally required to fully fund what they define to be “basic education” based on a funding distribution formula referred to as the “prototypical model.” This model represents the Legislature’s assumptions about the costs associated with providing a “basic education” to students. Because the funding comes by way of a formula, it often supports only part of the staffing and other services required in a school. For example, in a local school district with 10,000 students, the state formula only provides funding for 1.5 school nurses. The district may actually need 4 nurses, which would have to be paid for out of local levy funds and not state funds. Another example is safety and security staff. For every 430 students, the prototypical model funds 1 safety and security staff member.

Levies are for Learning - A levy is a short-term, local property tax passed by the voters of a school district that generates revenue for the district to fund programs and services that the state does not fund or fully fund as part of “basic education.” Levies require a simple majority to pass (50% + 1)

West Valley runs an enrichment levy every 3 years. Enrichment levies, also known as Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) levies, fund important school services and positions like teachers, support staff, supplies and materials, student activities, clubs, and athletics, or services that the state only partially funds or doesn’t fund at all. State money for schools provided via the prototypical funding model does not fully cover the actual costs of operating a school district, so enrichment or EP&O levies bridge the funding gap. 

Bonds are for Building - A bond provides funding for capital projects such as purchasing property for schools, constructing new schools, or modernizing existing schools. Bonds are sold to investors who are repaid with interest over time from property tax collections, generally between 10-25 years.

Bonds require a super majority to pass (60%)

West Valley typically runs one bond every 20 years to maintain, update, and build school facilities. The last voted bond occurred in 2002, which allowed the modernization of West Valley High School and the addition of gyms onto each elementary school. This bond matured in December 2022.

We're excited for you to join our team! You can reach us at westvalleyvotes@gmail.com.

Mail a check to: WV Votes PO Box 11281 Spokane, WA 99211