The board must, this fall, make a decision regarding putting an Educational Program & Operations Levy before voters for the calendar years 2025 and beyond. Determinations on amount, term, and timing must be considered.
The Educational Program & Enrichment Levy (EP&O) is essential to fund an educational program beyond the funding received from the state and federal government for what the state deems to be "basic education." The state funding model does not adequately meet the real costs of operating the schools our community expects and desires. Woodland has historically relied on local funding to close the gap between need and the state & federal allocation.
Should the board decide not to run a levy for 2025 then approximately $4.2- $5 million in additional reductions will need to be made for the 2024-2025 school year.
Should the board decide to run and receive voter support for a levy at an amount similar to what was proposed to voters in February and April 2023; the board will still need to make between $1.2 and $2 million in reductions for the 2024-2025 school year. This is due to 1) an underestimate of needed reductions for 2023-24 and 2) The sunsetting of ESSER funds that are currently supporting approximately $1.2 million in staff costs. (The need for reductions may be mitigated or exacerbated by enrollment above or below budget in the 2023-2024 school year and beyond).
At this point in time, it is very difficult to know exactly what the future holds. Factors that will impact us are school enrollment, state and federal funding changes, changes in costs of salaries and benefits, and additional unfunded/underfunded mandates from the state.
The purpose of this item will be to discuss with the board various considerations, options, opportunities, and challenges, and make determinations on the next steps.
Election Date options for 2024 are as follows:
There are several other districts in Cowlitz County that anticipate having propositions on the February Election calendar.
EP&O Levy:
Capital Levy
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As a tool to help understand the tax and collection impacts of a new EP&O levy, THIS SPREADSHEET will allow directors to input tax rates and total collection amounts to understand the impact of various options.