Local funding is generated through levies and bonds approved by the voters. Both are based upon local property valuations—property owners pay a set amount for each $1,000 of property value. Once approved, bond and levy amounts cannot increase with property values. When property values increase in a community, the amount paid per $1,000 decreases. Senior citizens and low income property owners may apply for an exemption from bond and levy taxes.

Each and every student in our community benefits every day from the resources provided by our voters, thank you for your support in successfully preparing all children for their futures.

By law, bonds may not be used to pay for the day-to-day costs of operating schools or school districts. Bonds provide funds only for capital projects, such as:

• New schools

• Acquisition of property

• Renovation or modernization of schools and athletic facilities

There is a gap between what the state funds and the education Kent School District provides to students. Local levy funds make up the difference.

Levy dollars support student enrichment programs not fully funded by the state, such as:

• Student programs

• Teacher pay, for additional teachers above the state minimum

• Instructional assistants in classrooms

• Textbooks, curriculum, and teacher training

• Additional course offerings for students

• Athletics

• Arts and music

• Special education

• Bus transportation (not fully funded by the state)

• Building and grounds maintenance (not fully funded by the state)

• Computers and technology

• Gifted education programs

• Community use of facilities

• By law, operations levies can only be proposed for a period of four years or less.

• Typically, school districts propose levies of two to six years. After the allotted number of years, the levy expires.

• Voters must approve a renewal of funding, or local financial support for schools ends.

• Generally, the levy you are voting on simply replaces one that is about to expire.

The state education funding plan passed by the legislature in 2017 was a step in the right direction, but it is a work in progress. The state Supreme Court has ruled the state is not yet fully covering all basic education costs. 

Much of the new state funding comes from shifting some property tax dollars that now go directly to local schools from the state; the state will then redistribute those dollars back to school districts.

• In February 2018, voters approved expiring educational programs and operations levy for two-years and a six-year technology and capital levy.

• In February 2020, voters approved expiring educational programs and operations levy for two-years. 

The Foundations e-newsletter is focused on keeping our community updated on current and past level and bond initiatives and how their tax dollars are supporting student learning and achievement, while keeping our school buildings modernized and maintained. Follow along in the spirit of learning every month for a new edition.