The Gist
Home

Ballot question

Spokane Public Schools Proposition 1: replacement programs and operation levy

On the ballot in
Spokane Public Schools
Vote
Yes or no
Election
Nov 3, 2026

The question, as printed on the ballot

Proposition No. 1 Spokane School District No. 81 (Spokane Public Schools) Replacement of Expiring Educational Programs and Operation Levy The Board of Directors of Spokane School District No. 81 adopted Resolution No. 2026-11, concerning a proposition to fund educational programs and operation expenses. This proposition would authorize the District to levy the following excess taxes, replacing an expiring levy, on all taxable property within the District, for educational programs and operation expenses not funded by the State (including class size, advanced courses, special education, nurses, counselors, technology support, safety staff, music, athletics, and extracurricular activities): Collection Year Estimated Levy Rate/ $1,000 Assessed Value Levy Amount 2028 $2.50 $107,000,000 2029 $2.50 $111,000,000 2030 $2.50 $115,000,000 all as provided in Resolution No. 2026-11. Should this proposition be approved?

A “Yes” vote means

Spokane Public Schools replaces its expiring programs and operation levy: an estimated $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed value, up to $107 million to $115 million a year, 2028–2030.

A “No” vote means

Spokane Public Schools' programs and operation levy expires and is not replaced by this levy.

Official plain English statement

Passage of Proposition No. 1 would allow Spokane School District to replace an expiring educational programs and operation levy. The taxes collected by this replacement levy will be used to pay expenses of educational programs and operation not fully funded by the State, including class size, advanced courses, special education, nurses, counselors, technology support, safety staff, music, athletics, and extracurricular activities. Further information is available at spokaneschools.org/page/2026-levy. The proposed three-year replacement levy would authorize the collection of up to $107,000,000 in 2028, $111,000,000 in 2029 and $115,000,000 in 2030. The estimated levy tax rate for the collection amount is $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed value. Regardless of property value, the collection cannot exceed the dollar amount approved by voters, and the rate cannot exceed $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed value under current state law. Therefore, the total collection may be less than the voter approved amount. Exemptions from taxes may be available, contact Spokane County Assessor 509-477-3698.

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.