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Your Guide to Bethel's 2026 Replacement Levy Election
Don't forget to VOTE!
Ballots have been mailed and Bethel voters are now deciding on two replacement levies: The renewal of the Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy and the Technology Capital Levy. These are not new taxes, they are both replacements of expiring measures at the same tax rates that voters approved in 2022.
How much will these levies cost me?
The tax rates remain unchanged from what voters approved in 2022. The Educational Programs & Operations Levy will stay at $2.17 per $1,000 of assessed value, and the Technology Levy will remain at $0.31 per $1,000 of assessed value.
What does the Educational Programs & Operations Levy fund?
The EP&O Levy accounts for 15% of our district's budget and funds more than 400 staff positions that the state underfunds or doesn't fund at all, including teachers, librarians, paraeducators, counselors, social workers, nurses, School Resource Officers, campus safety officers, custodians, and bus drivers. It also supports arts and music programs, middle and high school athletic programs, special education staff, multilingual education, early learning programs, JROTC, highly capable programs, resources for homeless students, Bethel Rec, and after-school activity buses.
What does the Technology Capital Levy support?
The Technology Capital Levy keeps classroom technology up-to-date and safe for students and staff. It funds student iPads and other classroom devices, cybersecurity and data protection, upgraded Wi-Fi and communication systems, instructional software and digital curriculum, and tech support staff. Every three to four years the district replaces student iPads and resells the old devices, putting millions of dollars back into the Tech Levy budget.
Why do we need local levies if the state funds schools?
State funding is based on an outdated funding formula that doesn't cover the actual number of teachers and staff districts need to employ. Since 2019, the percentage of the state's budget dedicated to K-12 education has dropped significantly—from 51.6% in 2019-21 to 43.2% in 2025-27. Local levies are an essential part of the school funding formula in Washington state, which is why 10 Pierce County school districts have EP&O levies on the ballot for renewal right now.
What happens if these levies don't pass?
If local levies are not approved, Bethel loses not only the levy funding (which is 15% of the budget) but also more than $12 million annually in Local Effort Assistance (LEA) from the state. LEA is additional state funding that only comes when local levies are approved by voters, making the financial impact of levy failure a very significant event.
Is there a tax break for senior citizens or those with disabilities?
Senior citizens and people with disabilities who meet certain income requirements may be exempt from part or all of these local property taxes. To learn more about eligibility and how to apply, please visit https://www.piercecountywa.gov/702/Senior-Citizens-Or-People-with-Disabilit.
Can I vote if I rent my home?
Renters have the same voting rights as homeowners. Voters do not need to own their home or apartment, they just need to be registered to vote.
Can I still register to vote in this election?
If you're not registered to vote yet, you can register online at https://olvr.votewa.gov/OLVR2024/landing.aspx. The deadlines are:
Do levies require a supermajority to pass?
Unlike bonds, which require a 60% supermajority to pass, levies only require a simple majority of 50% + 1 vote in order to pass. From 1932 to 2007, school levies required a 60% supermajority, but the rate reverted back to 50% after a constitutional change that required ⅔ approval in both the House and Senate before going before voters, where it passed by a simple majority.
You can find more information, facts, FAQs and videos of our levies in action at bethelsd.org/levy
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By Bethel School DistrictDon't forget to VOTE!
Ballots have been mailed and Bethel voters are now deciding on two replacement levies: The renewal of the Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy and the Technology Capital Levy. These are not new taxes, they are both replacements of expiring measures at the same tax rates that voters approved in 2022.
How much will these levies cost me?
The tax rates remain unchanged from what voters approved in 2022. The Educational Programs & Operations Levy will stay at $2.17 per $1,000 of assessed value, and the Technology Levy will remain at $0.31 per $1,000 of assessed value.
What does the Educational Programs & Operations Levy fund?
The EP&O Levy accounts for 15% of our district's budget and funds more than 400 staff positions that the state underfunds or doesn't fund at all, including teachers, librarians, paraeducators, counselors, social workers, nurses, School Resource Officers, campus safety officers, custodians, and bus drivers. It also supports arts and music programs, middle and high school athletic programs, special education staff, multilingual education, early learning programs, JROTC, highly capable programs, resources for homeless students, Bethel Rec, and after-school activity buses.
What does the Technology Capital Levy support?
The Technology Capital Levy keeps classroom technology up-to-date and safe for students and staff. It funds student iPads and other classroom devices, cybersecurity and data protection, upgraded Wi-Fi and communication systems, instructional software and digital curriculum, and tech support staff. Every three to four years the district replaces student iPads and resells the old devices, putting millions of dollars back into the Tech Levy budget.
Why do we need local levies if the state funds schools?
State funding is based on an outdated funding formula that doesn't cover the actual number of teachers and staff districts need to employ. Since 2019, the percentage of the state's budget dedicated to K-12 education has dropped significantly—from 51.6% in 2019-21 to 43.2% in 2025-27. Local levies are an essential part of the school funding formula in Washington state, which is why 10 Pierce County school districts have EP&O levies on the ballot for renewal right now.
What happens if these levies don't pass?
If local levies are not approved, Bethel loses not only the levy funding (which is 15% of the budget) but also more than $12 million annually in Local Effort Assistance (LEA) from the state. LEA is additional state funding that only comes when local levies are approved by voters, making the financial impact of levy failure a very significant event.
Is there a tax break for senior citizens or those with disabilities?
Senior citizens and people with disabilities who meet certain income requirements may be exempt from part or all of these local property taxes. To learn more about eligibility and how to apply, please visit https://www.piercecountywa.gov/702/Senior-Citizens-Or-People-with-Disabilit.
Can I vote if I rent my home?
Renters have the same voting rights as homeowners. Voters do not need to own their home or apartment, they just need to be registered to vote.
Can I still register to vote in this election?
If you're not registered to vote yet, you can register online at https://olvr.votewa.gov/OLVR2024/landing.aspx. The deadlines are:
Do levies require a supermajority to pass?
Unlike bonds, which require a 60% supermajority to pass, levies only require a simple majority of 50% + 1 vote in order to pass. From 1932 to 2007, school levies required a 60% supermajority, but the rate reverted back to 50% after a constitutional change that required ⅔ approval in both the House and Senate before going before voters, where it passed by a simple majority.
You can find more information, facts, FAQs and videos of our levies in action at bethelsd.org/levy