A look at the Ephrata schools replacement levy

EPHRATA – Ephrata School District Superintendent Ken Murray discussed the upcoming February Educational Programs and Operations Levy during a recent visit to the Columbia Basin Herald to participate in the STUDIO BASIN podcast.  

“One exciting thing about our levy is, over this next four years, we’re going to ask our local voters to approve right around $11.5 million over four years. Which is a big chunk of change, but when you think about it, it’s a big portion of our budget. But what’s exciting is what we can get from the state actually exceeds that, it’s over $13 million in state dollars that we would be able to access only if the $11.5 million is approved by the voters, and so, at the end of the day, this four-year levy really equates to about $25 million in our operating budget.”  

Murray was referring to local effort assistance funding when referencing the $13 million in state funding. Under Washington law, if a district is considered property-poor, and Ephrata is, the state will provide additional funding to ensure it can provide a similar experience to students that a property-rich district can. A property-poor district is one with lower property values or less taxable property than other districts. This method of financing allows for equity in tax rates among districts, according to RCW 28.A.500.010 in the state code. 

“It’s state funding to basically try to equalize what people can receive through levy dollars, and the state recognizes that a property-poor district like Ephrata is considered – it's difficult for us to generate the same amount of money as some of the other communities in our state,” Murray said. 

The anticipated impact on the average property tax bill for homeowners in Ephrata is an increase of about $10.75 per month, Murray said. That amount will vary based on the value of the home, but for a median-valued property, that should be consistent. Funds from the levy help pay for athletics and activities. About 1,100 high school and middle school athletes participate in various sports across the district and almost 600 participate in other extracurriculars that are paid for by levy dollars.  

According to documentation provided by the Ephrata School District, the current tax rate is $1.58 for the current operations levy. The replacement levy, if approved by voters, would raise that to $1.85 per $1,000 of assessed property value. A homeowner with a home valued at $375,000 now pays the equivalent of $49.38 per month. The levy is about to expire, and the replacement levy would cost about $60.13 for the person who owns that $375,000 home. Adjustments in overall property values may cause that amount to fluctuate though. In 2021, voters approved a roughly $2.03 per $1,000 rate but ended up paying the $1.58 amount due to the increasing property values within the school district’s boundaries.  

Under the law, school administration can provide educational materials to district voters but cannot advocate for voters to approve the levy. Murray said he’s fine with that but wants to make certain voters understand what they would get if they approve the measure and what programs may need to be trimmed as a result of a failed levy.  

While the state of Washington does provide funding for the core educational needs of students, that does not provide sufficient funding for all the programs a school district offers. Electricity, staff training, security and instructional materials are all partially funded by levy money, Murray said. Additionally, sports like football and volleyball are funded by levy dollars as are theater, music and arts programs. Technology and the district’s College in the High School programs are also paid for in part by the EP&O levy, he said.  

Without the levy dollars, some or all those programs and operational items could go away, he said.  

“You need paper. You need to be able to turn the lights on. You need to be able to flush the toilets, you know? You need to be able to pay for fuel. You’ve got a lot of things that you need to be able to do. ... But what people really need to know is the things that we offer our students after school – our extracurricular activities and athletics - (are) funded by levy dollars,” Murray said.  

Murray said that, while those things may be seen as extras or perks, they have a tangible benefit academically in that they motivate students to go to school. Sports, theater, band and similar activities motivate a student to attend classes. He said that students understand that their attendance has to be in good standing and their grades have to meet criteria in order for them to participate in extracurriculars.  

“It is important because it is that hook for some kids. It is that motivation for some kids, you know,” he said. “And then even beyond that, the learning that can happen in an extracurricular environment, whether it’s an activity or an athletic event or venue or practice are difficult to replicate in the traditional classroom.”  

To listen to the full podcast, visit https://bit.ly/3VDizgc.