Key Takeaways:
- The Tumwater School District is seeking a Replacement Safety, Technology & Capital Improvements Levy to fund district-wide updates and services.
- The levy will replace the existing levy that is set to expire in 2026 and will run for a six-year term.
- The levy will fund capital repairs and improvements, technology upgrades, and projects district-wide, including renovating older elementary schools, repairing infrastructure, and implementing modern playground equipment.
- The estimated property tax rate per $1,000 will start at 0.53 in 2027 and rise to 0.73 in 2032, with a total authorized collection of $49.1 million.
- The levy will support critical student safety and technology improvements, as well as aging and outdated school facilities and equipment.
Introduction to the Levy
The Tumwater School District in Washington state is seeking a Replacement Safety, Technology & Capital Improvements Levy to fund district-wide updates and services. The levy, which will be voted on by the community on February 10, 2026, will replace the existing levy that is set to expire in 2026 and will run for a six-year term. The district is seeking to bridge the gap between what the state and federal governments provide and the basic services, facilities, supplies, and equipment that schools need to succeed.
Understanding the Levy
According to Tumwater District Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Ben Rarick, the proposed levy will replace an expiring levy and stay in place for a six-year term. Funds raised are earmarked for capital repairs and improvements, technology upgrades, and projects district-wide. Rarick explains that capital levies manage the cost of ownership, including major maintenance and small renovations, at two-to-six-year intervals, while capital bonds fund major projects at six-to-10-year intervals. The district has made materials from a School Board work session about the levy available online, and community members can attend digital town hall meetings to learn more and ask questions.
Levy Funding and Allocation
The levy funding will be applied to various costs of running the district, including capital repairs and improvements, technology upgrades, and projects district-wide. Rarick explains that this particular levy supports the Capital Fund, which is different from an Educational Programs and Operations levy (EP&O) that supports the General Fund. The Replacement Safety, Technology & Capital Improvements Levy cannot support basic staffing. The estimated property tax rate per $1,000 will start at 0.53 in 2027 and rise to 0.73 in 2032, with a total authorized collection of $49.1 million.
Impact of the Levy
The levy will have a significant impact on the district, including funding for new online and data security tools, building security updates, renovation of 50-year-old bathrooms, replacement of failing roofs and portable buildings, new playground equipment, improvements to pick-up and drop-off zones, and the addition of solar panels. The district will also continue the one-to-one student laptop and technology program and implement modern technology equipment and security software to protect student data. The levy will also support specific projects, such as renovating older elementary schools with modern multi-purpose rooms and bathrooms, and repairing end-of-life plumbing, electrical, and other failing infrastructure district-wide.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The Tumwater School District is seeking community support for the Replacement Safety, Technology & Capital Improvements Levy, which will fund critical student safety and technology improvements, as well as aging and outdated school facilities and equipment. Community members can learn more about the levy by visiting the district’s website, attending digital town hall meetings, or contacting district staff directly. The district is committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all students, and the levy is an important step in achieving this goal. By supporting the levy, community members can help ensure that the district has the resources it needs to provide a high-quality education for all students.
