The EP&O Levy will be assessed at an estimated $1.50 per thousand of assessed value for tax years 2024, 2025, and 2026. This rate represents a 0% increase from the current levy, which expires at the end of 2023.

If the replacement EP&O levy is approved, in addition to maintaining services and operations that are not fully-funded by the state, Kalama will expand its educational offerings in key areas:

• Development and improvement of the district’s outdoor learning experiences (CISPUS, Natural Resources, Field STEM, etc.)

• Introduce new early learning programs

• Increase Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) opportunities

Levy funding represents approximately 13% of the district's estimated budget.

In-Person Levy Information Sessions

Kalama School District Superintendent Eric Nerison is ready to answer your questions about the replacement levy. For those looking for in-person opportunities to learn more, he will be available at the Columbia Inn Restaurant (698 NE Frontage Rd.) between noon and 1 p.m. on the following dates:

• Friday, January 20

• Friday, January 27

• Friday, February 3

New: The district will host an evening levy information session this Monday (1/23) at 6 p.m. in the KMS/KHS Library.

You can also email your questions at any time to eric.nerison@kalama.k12.wa.us.

What role do levies play in school operations?

Levy dollars help to make up the difference between what the state provides for K-12 education and what it costs to operate schools while providing a quality learning environment.

Based on the 2021-2022 school year, the list below shows the percentage of school staff positions (organized by job type) that are funded and unfunded by the state. Levy dollars are used to help cover the unfunded amounts.

• Substitute Teachers: 8% State funded, 92% Unfunded

• Health Care (Nurse + Health Care Specialists): 9% State funded, 91% Unfunded

• Technology Support: 19% State funded, 81% Unfunded

• District Office: 39% State funded, 61% Unfunded

• Paraeducators: 44% State funded, 56% Unfunded

• School Counselors: 51% State funded, 49% Unfunded

• Principals + Assistant Principal: 65% State funded, 35% Unfunded

• Facilities/Maintenance/Custodial: 70% State funded, 30% Unfunded

• Classroom Teachers: 90% State funded, 10% Unfunded

Additionally, the following school programs are 100% funded by a combination of local levy funds and ASB (fundraising) or grant dollars:

• All athletic programs

• Chinook Station

• Little Nooks Preschool

• Food Services staff

How are levy dollars distributed? How much goes to student learning & staffing? 

Student learning and staffing represents the bulk of levy spending. Here’s a breakdown of how levy funds are divvied up by category:

Why is this levy referred to as a “replacement levy?” 

This levy is described as a “replacement levy” because if approved, it would take the place of the current levy, which expires at the end of 2023. The current levy was approved in April 2020 at an estimated rate of $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The new levy is being proposed to voters at the same estimated rate.

How does Kalama’s levy rate compare to neighboring school districts? 

Based on the 2022 tax year, Kalama School District had the lowest Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) levy rate in Southwest Washington*: 

• Mount Pleasant School District: $2.34

• Woodland Public Schools: $2.32

• Camas School District: $2.30

• Toutle Lake School District: $2.17

• Washougal School District: $2.15

• Longview Public Schools: $2.14

• Vancouver School District: $1.97

• Battle Ground School District: $1.96

• Kelso School District: $1.95

• Green Mountain School District: $1.90

• Castle Rock School District: $1.88

• Evergreen School District: $1.70

• Hockinson School District: $1.50

• La Center School District: $1.50

• Ridgefield School District: $1.49

• Kalama School District: $1.42

*Per $1,000 of assessed property value. Rates shown are for EP&O levies only. 

Why was our district’s tax levy rate in 2022 8 cents lower than the $1.50 that was approved by voters?

In 2020, voters approved $2.4 million in annual funds to Kalama’s public schools over three years, and the district estimated that a rate of $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed value would generate that amount. In 2022, the approved amount was collected at a rate of just $1.42 due to population growth and changes in assessed property valuations.

What is the total dollar amount the district is asking voters to authorize for collection each year?

The district is requesting authorization to collect $3,499,447 in 2024, $3,771,427 in 2025, and $4,064,113 in 2026.

How does Kalama’s overall school tax rate (including all levies and bonds) compare to neighboring school districts? 

Out of the 16 school districts in Clark and Cowlitz counties, Kalama School District’s overall school tax rate ranks as the 9th lowest. Kalama’s school bond was passed by voters in 2018 and used to construct the new elementary and middle school buildings. The district does not have multiple school levies.

How often are citizens asked to vote on a school levy?

By design, EP&O levies are short-term funding mechanisms (three to four years in length) that provide school districts with the flexibility to re-calibrate course offerings and operations (based on growth and community demand) every few years.

If approved by voters in February 2023, this levy would expire at the end of 2026.

What happens if the levy does not pass?

If the replacement levy does not pass and local dollars expire, the district would have to cut a number of educational programs, staff positions, athletics and activities prior to the 2023-2024 school year. The loss of local dollars would result in larger class sizes across the district and fewer educational and extracurricular experiences for students.

What is the difference between a school levy and a school bond?

Simply put, levies are for learning and bonds are for building. Check out this video from ESD 112 to learn more about the difference between a levy and a bond.

Is there a tax break for senior citizens?

Yes! Washington state law provides two tax benefit programs for senior citizens and individuals who are disabled: property tax exemptions and property tax deferrals. For more information on qualifications, please contact the Cowlitz County Assessor’s Office.

The FAQs above are largely based on feedback from the district's December levy communication survey. Thank you to those who participated! This section will continue to be updated with citizen input.