Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Replacement Levy

2024 Facts and FAQ

On Tuesday, February 13, 2024, Omak School District residents will be asked to vote on a ballot item to renew our current four-year Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy.  An EP&O levy is one of the three primary revenue sources used for funding Washington public schools. Other sources include general state apportionment based on student enrollment and federal funds based on exceptional student needs and competitive grant programs.

Fact #1: This is not a new tax.

This 2024 EP&O levy request replaces our current voter-approved 2020 EP&O levy.

Fact #2: The requested estimated tax rate per thousand is the same as what was voter-approved four years ago.

The Omak School District residents approved a tax rate of $1.75 per thousand of assessed value four years ago for the current Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) levy.  The estimated tax rate for this 2024 four-year renewal levy is $1.75 per thousand. ($100,000 home is estimated at $14.58/month.)

Fact #3: When we have a voter-approved EP&O levy, the Omak School District also receives additional Local Effort Assistance (LEA) funding from the state.

Washington state’s LEA funds attempt to bridge the gap between a school district in a community with lower property value and one in a community with above average property value. If this 4-year renewal levy request is voter-approved, the Omak School District will continue to qualify for approximately $10 million each year in additional LEA funding.

Fact #4: Most Washington school districts need levies to provide a comprehensive educational program. Omak School District’s EP&O replacement levy will continue to provide funding support to:

  • Advanced Placement Courses

  • Building Maintenance and Repair

  • Career and Technical Education

  • Extra-Curricular Programs (athletics, art, music, theater)

  • Instructional Materials (curriculum, technology)

  • School Support Staff (nurses, paraeducators, custodial, maintenance, safety specialist)

  • Student Safety and School Security

Fact #5: Levy tax exemptions are available.

Low-income senior citizens (61+), veterans, and disabled persons may qualify for a levy tax exemption. Please contact the Okanogan County Assessor’s office at (509) 422-7190 for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is an Educational, Programs, and Operations (EP&O) levy?

An EP&O levy is a local property tax collected by school districts to fund the portion of educational programs and operations that are not funded by the state.

Is this a new tax?

No, this is not a new tax.  The Omak voters have a long history of continuing to support the Omak School District through the renewal of the EP&O levies.  This 2024 EP&O levy request replaces our current voter-approved 2020 EP&O levy.

Why is the Omak School District renewing the Educational and Operations (EP&O) levy?

Washington State school districts rely on voter-approved levies to bridge the gap between what the state funds and what it actually costs to support our students.  For instance, the state provides funding for one nurse at Omak School District.  Because of our voter-approved levy, we are able to employ two full-time nurses and one nurse assistant for our 1450+ students who are spread across five campuses.

What will the Educational and Operations (EP&O) replacement levy pay for?

Omak School District’s EP&O levy, and the accompanying Local Effort Assistance (LEA), will continue to provide funding support to:

  • Advanced Placement Courses

  • Building Maintenance and Repair

  • Career and Technical Education

  • Extra-curricular programs (athletics, art, music, theater)

  • Instructional Materials (curriculum, technology)

  • School Support Staff (nurses, paraeducators, custodial, maintenance, safety specialist)

  • Student Safety and School Security

What is Local Effort Assistance (LEA)?

Local Effort Assistance (LEA) is a state mechanism to help districts with lower property value enhance the state’s basic education programs similar to those in higher property value districts. To qualify for the approximately $10 million LEA from the state, Omak voters must approve the 2024 EP&O replacement levy.

What is the approximate cost of the renewal EP&O levy?

The Omak School District residents approved a tax rate of $1.75 per thousand of assessed value four years ago for the current Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) levy.  The estimated tax rate for this 2024 four-year renewal levy is $1.75 per thousand. ($100,000 home is estimated at $14.58/month.)

How do the Omak School District rates compare to other districts?

The $1.75 per thousand levy rate is less than most other school districts of comparable size throughout Washington state.  Omak School District has been a good steward of the monies that we have received from our community, from the state and from the federal government.

What happens if the renewal EP&O levy doesn’t pass?

The 2024 EP&O replacement levy and Local Effort Assistance (LEA) represents about 11% of the Omak School District’s overall budget.  If the levy does not pass, the district will also not receive the LEA money from the state.  The Omak School District will lose critical funding for staff and programs for students.

Is there financial assistance available for property taxes?

Low-income senior citizens (61+), veterans, and disabled persons may qualify for a levy tax exemption. Please contact the Okanogan County Assessor’s office at (509) 422-7190 for more information.

When will this election occur?

The Okanogan County Auditor will mail ballots to voters at the end of January 2024.  Ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday, February 13, 2024.

Who can I speak with for more information about the EP&O Replacement Levy?

If you have any additional questions, you can call the Omak School District at (509) 826-0320.