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Ballot question

Kent School District Proposition 1: replacement educational programs and operations levy

On the ballot in
Kent School District
Vote
Yes or no
Election
Nov 3, 2026

The question, as printed on the ballot

The Board of Directors of Kent School District No. 415 adopted Resolution No. 1718 concerning a proposition to support educational programs and operations expenses. If approved, this proposition would authorize the District to levy the following excess taxes, replacing an expiring levy, on all taxable property within the District, to support educational programs and operations not funded by the State's statutory program of basic education. Collection Year Approximate Levy Rate/$1,000 Assessed Value Levy Amount 2028 $1.95 $104,700,000 2029 $1.93 $111,100,000 2030 $1.88 $115,700,000 2031 $1.84 $121,400,000 Should this proposition be approved?

A “Yes” vote means

Replaces Kent's expiring levy with property taxes of $104.7 million (2028) rising to $121.4 million (2031), about $1.84–$1.95 per $1,000, for programs the state does not fund.

A “No” vote means

The district's current programs and operations levy expires in 2027 without a replacement.

Official plain English statement

Passage of Proposition 1 would allow Kent School District to replace an expiring voter-approved levy for school programs and operations by levying $104,700,000 for collection in 2028, $111,100,000 for collection in 2029, $115,700,000 for collection in 2030, and $121,400,000 for collection in 2031. The proposed levy would replace an existing levy that voters previously approved and expires in 2027. The expiring levy currently funds approximately 15% of the District’s general operating expenses. If approved, the proposed replacement levy would pay for day-to-day school operations to meet student needs not funded by the State, including but not limited to college and career readiness staff and programs, physical, social, and emotional learning staff and programs (including mental health counselors and staff), materials, supplies, and operational costs (including utilities and insurance), transportation, safety and security staff, athletic and extra-curricular programs, electives, and classroom support programs. Based on projected assessed valuation information, the District estimates a tax rate of $1.95 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for 2028; $1.93 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for 2029; $1.88 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for 2030; and $1.84 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for 2031. A property tax exemption may be available to senior or disabled homeowners who meet specified income limits. For information regarding exemptions, call the King County Assessor at (206) 296-3920. For questions about this measure, contact: Dr. Wade Barringer, Deputy Superintendent, (253) 373-7001, [email protected]

Sources

The question and plain English statement are copied word for word from official election materials. The Gist does not take a side on ballot questions.