Levy Info

Monroe School District is asking voters to renew the expiring Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) levy during the February 10, 2026 special election.

The current four-year EP&O Levy—approved by voters in 2022—will expire at the end of the 2026 calendar year. The proposed renewal is NOT A NEW TAX. It simply continues the existing levy that helps close the funding gap between what the state defines as “basic education” and the actual costs of the programs, services, and staffing Monroe School District students rely on every day.

Like all school districts in Washington, Monroe depends on voter-approved funding to provide a well-rounded, high-quality education. Local EP&O levy dollars make up over 15% of the district’s total budget.

What Does It Fund?

The renewed levy would continue funding for essential programs and services, including:

Athletics and extracurricular activities
Additional staff not fully funded by the state (nurses, counselors, paraeducators, custodians, and more)
Additional teachers to help keep class sizes low
School safety and security
Student transportation
Technology updates, including student Chromebooks
Professional learning for staff
Operations and building maintenance
Classroom supplies and materials

What Does It Cost?

Monroe taxpayers currently pay $1.52 per $1,000 of assessed property value for the EP&O Levy, which ends in 2026. If renewed, the estimated rate would be $1.73* per $1,000 beginning in 2027.

The levy amount approved by voters is a fixed dollar amount. This means that even if property values rise, the district cannot collect more than what voters authorized. As the community grows and more households are added to the tax base, the total cost is shared among more property owners - often lowering the tax rate for individual households.