Levy Basics

Local, Voter-Approved Levies are Essential to School Operating Budgets

School districts in Washington State rely on three (3) primary sources of revenue to support operations and educational programs- state funds, federal funds and local levy dollars. The largest source of funding is the state which provides about 75% of our  annual revenue.   The federal government provides about 10%.  Local funding in the form of voter-approved levies accounts for the remaining 15%.  

Local school levies, once approved, provide funding for a set period of time (typically 4 years) and then “expire”.  To maintain current levels of programming, operation and maintenance, school districts regularly ask citizens to renew or replace the levies one year prior to their expiration.  These “replacement” levies provide an ongoing source of revenue and contribute significantly to stable budgets and allow districts to maintain comprehensive programming.  

School levies require voter approval.  A “simple majority” of at least 50% is required to pass and there are no validation requirements.  Levies are different from bonds which are typically used to build new schools or complete major renovations.  UPSD last passed a bond in 2006.

In order to sustain our current level of staffing, programs, operations, technology use, preventative building maintenance and facility improvements, the following levy amounts and rates are requested: