Levies

In February 2026, the Orting School District will ask voters to consider a four-year renewal of the Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy to continue funding critical programs, staffing, and student opportunities that are not fully covered by state funding.

This replacement levy is not a new tax, but a continuation of the levy our community approved in 2022, set to expire at the end of 2026.

The EP&O Levy provides almost 15% of our district's operating budget and supports essential services for students, including:

• Safety and Security: The levy helps fund safety and security measures across our district, including our partnership with the City of Orting and the Orting Police Department, ensuring we have a dedicated School Resource Officer (SRO) on campus.
• Student Support and Well-Being: Levy dollars support mental health services, occupational therapy, speech and language support, nursing, and classroom aids who help meet students' everyday needs.
• Transportation and Enrichment: The levy funds student transportation, including our activity bus, which supports after-school athletics, performing arts, and other enrichment opportunities. 
• Nutrition Services: Levy support helps provide scratch-cooked meals, fresh ingredients, and healthy options for students across the district.
• Instructional Technology: Levy dollars sustain our 1:1 student devices and the technology that keeps us connected and engaging. 
• Maintenance and Custodial Services: The levy helps fund the maintenance and custodial teams who keep our schools clean, safe, and ready for learning every day. 

In February 2022, voters approved a four-year Replacement Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy to continue funding essential programs, staffing, and student opportunities not fully covered by state funding. 

This was not a new tax, but a continuation of the levy the community approved in 2020, which was set to expire at the end of 2023. The EP&O Levy provides approximately 10 percent of the District's operating budget and helps fund the day-to-day operations that support student success.

Funds from the Replacement EP&O Levy continue to:

• Support after-school programs, athletics, and student activities
• Provide classroom instructional materials and supplies
• Fund special education services beyond what the state provides
• Maintain technology and learning tools for students
• Enhance safety and security across schools
• Support staffing and substitute coverage
• Provide professional development and training for staff
• Support student transportation not fully funded by the state
• Maintain facilities and ensure clean, safe learning environments

The four-year Replacement EP&O Levy was approved at an estimated rate of $1.88 per $1,000 of assessed property value.