2025 Replacement Levies

On February 11, 2025, the district will ask voters to renew two levies, which are set to expire in December 2025. Both levies support student learning in all grades within the district.

  • 4-Year Replacement Educational Programs and Operations Levy (previously passed in February 2021)

  • 4-Year Replacement Capital Levy for Safety, Security, Technology and Facility Improvements (previously passed in February 2021)

This webpage provides information about the levy, including its purpose, impact on the district, and how it will be used to support students and education in the Cascade School District.

Questions?

If you have questions about the upcoming replacement levies, please contact the District Office:

Email: CSDinfo@cascadesd.org

Call: 509-548-5885.

These levies are not new taxes; they are a continuation of the existing levies that voters approved in 2021.

Revenue from voter-approved levies is invaluable to programs and services that support all Cascade School District students. Voters will see a proposed redistribution of the levy rates on the February 2025 ballot.

We have strategically redistributed the rates between the EP&O levy and Capital levy to better support the needs of our district.

EP&O Proposed Levy Rate*

Capital Proposed Levy Rate*

Combined Proposed Rate*

2026

$0.76

$0.38

$1.14

2027

$0.73

$0.41

$1.14

2028

$0.70

$0.44

$1.14

2029

$0.67

$0.47

$1.14

*A levy rate is the amount property owners pay for property tax per $1,000 of assessed property value.

This will not increase your overall tax rate.

Graph: Distribution of levy dollars. The graph on the left shows the voter-approved distribution between the two levies from 2021. The four graphs on the right show the rate redistribution for 2026-2029 which will be proposed to voters on the February 2025 ballot.

In 2021, voters passed a 4-year EP&O levy and a 4-year Capital Levy, both of which expire in December 2025. Voters passed an estimated rate* of $0.99 for the EP&O levy and an estimated rate of $0.15 for the capital levy, for a combined total estimated levy rate of $1.14.

If the replacement levies pass in February 2025, the dollars will be redistributed due to the new proposed rates for each levy. The combined total estimated levy rate* would stay at $1.14.

*A levy rate is the amount property owners pay for property tax per $1,000 of assessed property value.

Did you know that revenue from levies currently represents 18% of the district’s budget in the 2024-2025 school year?

If the levies do not pass, the district would have to immediately cease funding extracurricular activities (including sports), several support positions, school lunch options, and more.

Learn more about the EP&O Replacement Levy

If the 4-Year EP&O Replacement levy is passed, the community will support the District by providing over $17 million to the District’s General Fund to pay expenses of educational programs and operations that are not funded by the state.

A few examples of how the EP&O Levy will support the District and Students:

Cascade School District Boys Soccer Team

Athletics and Extra-Curricular

Funding for all athletics and extra-curricular activities, including up to 71 coaching positions, ensuring robust programs based on student participation.

Elementary school students participating in outdoor education by the river

Bridging Funding Gaps for Student Resources

Address funding gaps in the school lunch program, outdoor education, HiCap programs, and special education support, ensuring all students receive the necessary resources.

School buses buried in snow up to the windows

Snow Removal and Unexpected Expenses

Allocating funds for snow removal and unforeseen expenses such as inflation in fuel costs, employee benefits, and special education needs, maintaining smooth operations throughout the district.

Paraeducator helping a student with their snow gear

Support for Unfunded Positions

Providing essential funding for unfunded positions, including librarians, custodians, paraprofessionals, nurses, mechanics, food service workers, and counselors, including 12 additional support roles.

Learn More About the Capital Replacement Levy

If the 4-Year Capital Replacement Levy is passed, the community would support the District by providing over $10 million to continue funding the acquisition, installation, replacement, and modernization of life safety and security systems, educational technology equipment, software and infrastructure, and school facilities. These funds help the District pay for programs and services that the state doesn’t pay for or fully cover as part of “basic education.”

A few examples of how the Capital Levy will support the District and Students:

Students using computers in the classroom

Classroom Technology Upgrades

This project will replace outdated classroom technology, including student and staff laptops, ensuring our classrooms are equipped with the latest tools for effective learning.

Icicle River Middle School

Icicle River Middle School Improvements

Essential facility improvements at Icicle River Middle School will enhance the learning environment, addressing critical needs not covered by the bond.

Peshatin Football Field with players on the field

Peshastin Football Field Restroom Improvements

Renovating the bathrooms at the Peshastin football field will provide modern, accessible facilities for students, staff, and community members.

District School Resource Office Deputy Hunter

District-wide Security Features

Implementing new security features across the district will ensure a safer environment for all students and staff, enhancing overall school safety.

Resources and Updates

Cascade School District Seeking Applications from Residents to Write For/Against Statements

Applications must be submitted by November 20, 2024.

Learn more

Levy Election Planning (Sept. 2024)

Presentation from Public Finance Investment Banking during the September 2024 Board Meeting

View Presentation

Levy Election Planning (Oct. 2024)

Presentation from Cascade School District Business Manager during the October 2024 Board Meeting

View Presentation

Frequently Asked Questions