2026 Snohomish School District Replacement Levies
Both the Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy and the Replacement Levy for Technology, Safety and Facility Improvements expire at the end of 2026.
These two replacement levies help fill the nearly 18% funding gap between what the state funds and what it really takes to provide a full and rich learning experience in safe and secure schools for Snohomish School District’s almost 9,900 students*.
Proposals to replace both expiring levies will be on the February 10, 2026, ballot.
- Proposition 1: Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Replacement Levy
- Proposition 2: Replacement Levy for Technology, Safety and Facility Improvements
These are not new taxes. Our community has a proud history of supporting our schools and helping fill the funding gap. Like many families, the Snohomish School District is feeling the impact of rising costs - from utilities and textbooks to essential classroom resources. We also continue to invest in staffing to ensure there are enough caring adults in our schools to keep students learning, growing, and safe. With costs increasing in everything from heating classrooms to fueling buses and maintaining safe and secure school campuses, the nearly 18% gap between state funding and actual operating costs is expected to widen. Even after the McCleary decision, state funding still doesn’t meet the true cost of educating every student. Local levy funds make it possible to provide the educational programs and services our students and staff depend on every day.
* Data from Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Annual Report Card
At the October 22 School Board meeting, the Board unanimously voted to place two replacement levies - the Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy and the Replacement Levy for Technology, Safety and Facility Improvements - on the February 10, 2026, ballot.
Both measures would replace the existing levies approved by voters in 2022, which expire at the end of 2026. Our local levies bridge the gap between what the state funds and what it actually costs to educate Snohomish students. While state funding covers only a portion of key positions - such as paraeducators, school psychologists, and substitute coverage - our local levies make it possible to provide the staffing, programs, and supports our students rely on every day. Levy funds also sustain after-school programs, athletics, and clubs that help students build belonging and confidence. They support technology systems, safety improvements, and essential facility projects - from upgraded lighting and roof replacements to portable classrooms and HVAC upgrades. Together, these investments help ensure our schools remain safe, welcoming, and ready for learning.
Learn more about both ballot measures at www.sno.wednet.edu/2026levies. In early January, every district household will also receive an informational mailer with additional details. Stay tuned for updates on the district website and Facebook page in the coming months.
Snohomish schools are cared for by a dedicated team of custodians, maintenance staff, and grounds professionals who take pride in their work - treating each school as if it were their own home. Local levy funds help support these essential employees and the maintenance that keeps our schools safe, clean, and welcoming for students, staff, and our community.
We are committed to openness and transparency. Learn more about the February 10 replacement levies on our website at www.sno.wednet.edu/2026levies.
Levies fund learning. Bonds fund buildings.
Levies and bonds must be approved by voters in our community. For a levy to pass, we need 50% +1 approval. For a bond to pass, we need 60% + 1 approval.
- Bonds and levies are the only taxes that stay in our community to support our students.
- Local levy funding is critical to help bridge the gap for basic education funding including staff, academic programs, technology, and student supports.
- The state does not provide funding for the maintenance and/or rebuilding of our schools or for school safety and security.
- Bonds provide a one-time, upfront investment for the district, allowing us to complete bigger construction projects.
Visit our budget page at www.sno.wednet.edu/schoolfunding for more information on school funding and budgets.
Funds from the Replacement Levy for Technology, Safety, and Facility Improvements help equip teachers, staff, and students with the tools and technology that enhance learning - such as interactive panels, laptops, and other digital devices. These resources, along with the staff who maintain them, ensure our students are prepared to succeed in today’s world.
From updating devices to maintaining reliable systems, levy dollars help classrooms run efficiently so teachers, staff, and students can focus on what matters most - learning.
We are committed to openness and transparency. Learn more about the February 10 replacement levies on our website at www.sno.wednet.edu/2026levies.
What is a replacement levy?
A replacement levy is a local tax that replaces a levy that has expired. Levies expire and must be renewed after a defined length of time. State law allows educational programs and operations levies to be in effect for up to four years.
In Snohomish, voters approved two levies in 2022 - the Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy and the Replacement Levy for Technology, Safety and Facility Improvements. Both levies are currently funding their intended purposes, and each expires at the end of 2026.
Snohomish School District leaders have placed the Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy and the Replacement Levy for Technology, Safety and Facility Improvements on the February 10 ballot for renewal.
We are committed to openness and transparency. Learn more about the February 10 replacement levies on our website at www.sno.wednet.edu/2026levies.
Snohomish school leaders recently saved local taxpayers money more than $2 million over the next five years by refinancing an existing school construction bond.
These savings are on top of almost $23.7 million saved in 2020 and nearly $820,000 saved in 2021 with the refinancing of an earlier existing bond. These reduced bond collections and stable proposed levy tax rates contribute to an overall declining tax rate for Snohomish School District property owners.
Read the full story on our website at www.sno.wednet.edu/news/bondrefinance.
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Does the local levy pay for staff positions above what the state funds? Yes
The state’s basic education funding covers just 17.5 (FTE) paraeducators (learning assistants) in Snohomish. Thanks to local levy support - along with other funding sources - the Snohomish School District employs more than 250 part- and full-time (135.7 FTE) paraeducators. These caring adults play a vital role in creating supportive and enriching learning environments for our community’s students.
We are committed to openness and transparency. Learn more about the February 10 replacement levies on our website at www.sno.wednet.edu/2026levies.
How long does the levy last?
A levy is a short-term local property tax passed by the voters of a school district. Both measures would replace the existing levies approved by voters in 2022, which expire at the end of 2026. The four-year proposals, beginning in 2027, maintain a stable tax rate and renew a local funding source that has supported our schools for decades.
We are committed to openness and transparency. Learn more about the February 10 replacement levies on our website at www.sno.wednet.edu/2026levies.
"My work is about helping kids feel seen, supported, and proud of who they are. When challenges feel overwhelming, my role is to help everyone rediscover their strengths and identify supports they need to be successful.” ~ Ashley Maphis
School psychologists like Ashley Maphis help ensure students receive the academic and emotional support they need.
Dollars from the local Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy support school psychologists and additional staff and other caring adults who help provide a safe, secure, and enriching learning experience for our local students.
We are committed to openness and transparency. Learn more about the February 10 replacement levies on our website at www.sno.wednet.edu/2026levies.
Wondering how Snohomish schools are funded? Washington state school districts receive funding from four sources: Washington state, the federal government, local taxpayers, and other local fees. With costs increasing in everything from heating classrooms to fueling buses and maintaining safe and secure school campuses, the nearly 18% gap between state funding and actual operating costs is expected to widen. Local levy funds make it possible to provide the educational programs and services our students and staff depend on every day.
We are committed to openness and transparency. Learn more about the February 10 replacement levies on our website at www.sno.wednet.edu/2026levies.
The Replacement Levy for Technology, Safety and Facility Improvements funds:
- Essential facility improvements, including roofing, parking lots, playgrounds, athletic fields, heating and ventilation systems, and security upgrades.
- Classroom technology and tools that support student learning, such as interactive panels, computers, and devices.
- Ongoing safety and security staffing, cameras, and equipment.
We are committed to openness and transparency. Learn more about the February 10 replacement levies on our website at www.sno.wednet.edu/2026levies.
Levies fund learning. Bonds fund buildings.
Levies and bonds must be approved by voters in our community. For a levy to pass, we need 50% +1 approval. For a bond to pass, we need 60% + 1 approval.
• Bonds and levies are the only taxes that stay in our community to support our students.
• Local levy funding is critical to help bridge the gap for basic education funding including staff, academic programs, technology, and student supports.
• The state does not provide funding for the maintenance and/or rebuilding of our schools or for school safety and security.
• Bonds provide a one-time, upfront investment for the district, allowing us to complete bigger construction projects.
Visit our budget page at www.sno.wednet.edu/schoolfunding for more information on school funding.
“Guaranteeing access to high quality digital technology ensures students can build the future ready skills they will need to succeed in the modern world. And by leveraging these tools to make learning faster and more engaging, we help them reach their potential while promoting a healthy balance between screen time and real-life connections.” ~ Jonathan Cowan
Funds from the Replacement Levy for Technology, Safety, and Facility Improvements help equip teachers like Jonathan Cowan with the classroom technology and tools that enhance student learning - including interactive panels, computers, and other digital devices.
We are committed to openness and transparency. Learn more about the February 10 replacement levies on our website at www.sno.wednet.edu/2026levies.
Why aren’t school district levy elections in November? When voters renew levy funding, the amount is approved by calendar years – January through December. However, public school district budgets are written by the school year which starts each September, running 12 months to August of the following year.
Public school budget planning begins in the spring for the next school year. To do so, school leaders must know how many dollars are available. An election date early in the year allows that thoughtful planning. Also, state law (RCW 28A.405.210) requires school leaders to let “continuing” employees know by May 15 if there will be a change to their employment for the next school year. An early in the year election date allows that mandated notification.
In addition, state law (RCW 28A.505.040) requires these proposed school district budgets to be ready for public review by July 10. An election date scheduled in the first part of the calendar year makes this possible. Local school boards listen to public comments before acting on budget proposals in August. This state-mandated comment period follows weeks of local community conversation about priorities. It also allows time to know the results of votes on local levies to help fill the gap between what the state funds and what it really takes to provide a full and rich learning experience in safe and secure schools.
We are committed to openness and transparency. Learn more about the February 10 replacement levies on our website at www.sno.wednet.edu/2026levies
Every day, paraeducators (learning assistants) make a powerful impact - helping students master new skills, gain confidence, and feel seen and supported at school.
Because of local Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy dollars, Snohomish schools are able to employ many more paraeducators (learning assistants) than state funding provides. That means more hands, hearts, and helping voices for our students.
We are committed to openness and transparency. Learn more about the February 10 replacement levies on our website at www.sno.wednet.edu/2026levies.
Some senior and disabled homeowners may be eligible for a property tax exemption, based on income. For details, call the Snohomish County Assessor’s Office at 425-388-3540 or visit their website.
Links:
- Snohomish County Assessor Property Tax Exemption
- Washington State Department of Revenue Property Tax Exemptions for Senior Citizens and People With Disabilities
- Washington State Department of Revenue Property Tax Deferrals for Senior Citizens and People with Disabilities
We are committed to openness and transparency. Learn more about the February 10 replacement levies on our website at www.sno.wednet.edu/2026levies.
Levy dollars = connected classrooms.
The Replacement Levy for Technology, Safety, and Facility Improvements keeps student devices and classroom systems up to date - helping every student stay on track for success today and in the future.
We are committed to openness and transparency. Learn more about the February 10 replacement levies on our website at www.sno.wednet.edu/2026levies.
Quick Links
Proposition 1: Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Replacement Levy
Proposition 2: Replacement Levy for Technology, Safety and Facility Improvements
February 2026 Replacement Levies - Infographics
district handout - basics of school funding
2026 Replacement Levies - FAQs
How levy funds support students and staff
educational programs and operations replacement levy resolution
replacement levy for technology, safety and facility improvements resolution
Key Dates
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Wednesday, October 22, 2025 - Snohomish School District Board of Directors took action on resolutions to place measures on ballot in February.
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Wednesday, January 21, 2026 - Ballots mailed to homes.
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Thursday, January 22, 2026 - Ballot drop boxes open (see locations).
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Monday, February 2, 2026 - Deadline to register or update your registration online or by mail for the February election.
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Tuesday, February 10, 2026 - Election Day - Snohomish School District voters make a decision on levies. Ballots due by 8 p.m. Last day to register in person.
Questions?
We are committed to openness and transparency. Please call 360-563-7263 or send an email to communications@sno.wednet.edu with any questions you may have about these proposals.