Over 100 Washington school districts will have levies on the ballot for renewal this year. So will Bethel.

While we’re not alone in having a levy on the ballot, the big difference is that we aren’t asking our taxpayers for more money. Both levies are at the same tax rates that voters approved back in 2022.

“Not a penny more,” said Superintendent Brian Lowney.

Many districts will be asking their constituents for an increase in 2026. But Lowney and our School Board know that times are tough for families. But being good stewards isn’t always easy.

“That’s a hard thing to do to continue to make ends meet in this time and age with just a true replacement levy with the same rate.” Lowney said. “We’re making dollars stretch around here.”

The tax rate for our Educational Programs and Operations Levy will remain at $2.17 per $1,000 of assessed value. The tax rate for our Technology Levy will remain at $0.31 per $1,000 of assessed value. 

These are not new taxes. Both levies are replacements of expiring measures that our community has supported in the past, the Tech Levy since 2014 and the EP&O for decades.

The EP&O Levy alone accounts for more than 15% of our district’s budget. That includes over 400 staff serving in positions that the state underfunds, or doesn’t fund at all. The Technology Capital Levy keeps classroom technology up to date, provides iPads for all students, funds cybersecurity, infrastructure, and much more.

Election Day is February 10, 2026.

Learn more at bethelsd.org/levy