Waitsburg School District's Educational Programs & Operations Levy

WAITSBURG—In less than a month, residents of Waitsburg will vote on a replacement levy for Waitsburg School District. The district’s proposed Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy will be used to sustain school programs and services that the State does not fully fund as part of “basic education.”

The current school levy that is up for renewal was approved by Waitsburg voters in 2018, meaning the proposed levy is not a new tax. If approved by voters, the 2020 levy will help cover the gap between state funding and the actual cost of operating our schools. In Waitsburg, levy dollars help pay for fine arts and STEM, athletics, innovative preschool programs, technology, career and technical education (CTE), extra-curricular activities, counseling and student support, and much more.

The estimated tax rate for the proposed levy (which will be collected in 2021 and 2022) is $3.50 per $1,000 assessed value. However, due to current state restrictions (known as the “levy lid”), levy rates could remain capped at $2.50 and result in a tax rate decrease for Waitsburg property owners.

Waitsburg voters can expect to see the school district’s replacement EP&O Levy on the upcoming February 11th election. Ballots should arrive in the mail the week of January 20th. Please contact Superintendent Mark Pickel at 509-337-6301 for more information.