Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Schools levy funds for educational programs, services, and staff — filling the gap between what the state provides and the Orting School District's operating costs.

Levies must be approved by voters and typically last for a set number of years. 

The 2026 levy will renew local funding for educational programs, services, and staff that are not fully funded by the state. The levy makes up about 14% of Orting's budget. 

Levy funds several programs, services, and staff positions, including:

• Programs and resources for students of all abilities and needs.
• Operating costs such as materials, supplies, utilities, insurance, and facility maintenance. 
• Classroom technology, software, and cybersecurity systems.

Yes. Levy funds help pay for everyday operating costs like classroom supplies, utilities, facility maintenance, and technology. 

The state does not provide any funding for athletics. The levy pays 100% of athletic programs in the Orting School District. This includes funding for coaches and support staff. 

Orting is proud to be one of the few local districts that does not charge an added fee for athletic participation. Thanks to you, we have an athletic and activity bus that is able to get students home safely after school activities wrap up.

Levies are for learning. Bonds are building. 

A levy provides short-term, local funding for day-to-day school operations—things like teachers, staff, technology, athletics, and building maintenance. Levies must be renewed by voters every few years. 

A bond is used to fund large, long-term projects like building new schools or modernizing old buildings. Bond funds are borrowed and repaid over time, like a mortgage. 

Both require voter approval. 

Levy amounts are based on high enrollment projections, which set the maximum amount the district is authorized to collect. Actual collections are tied to actual enrollment. 

Actual collections will align with actual enrollment. If enrollment is lower than projected, Orting will collect less than the approved maximum—just as it has in recent years. This approach allows the district to collect less than the maximum if enrollment is lower than projected. 

This is not a new tax. It renews an expiring local levy. This proposal renews the existing levy that is set to expire at the end of 2026. 

This is not a new tax. It renews an expiring local levy. This proposal renews the existing levy that is set to expire at the end of 2026.

Tax rates are expected to remain stable. 

We take stewardship of public funds seriously. Every dollar we spend is guided by our strategic plan, which prioritizes building a culture of belonging, innovative learning, and future readiness. We regularly review our budgets, track spending, and report to the public. We also undergo external audits to ensure transparency and accountability. 

Schools rely on stable funding to hire staff, offer programs, and plan for future needs. Long-term planning helps us avoid sudden cuts and ensures we can continue offering quality education even when funding sources fluctuate. It also helps us make smart decisions about when to invest, when to conserve, and how to prioritize. 

The levy is just one part of the picture. We also work to secure grants, build community partnerships, and advocate at the state level for more sustainable funding. Internally, we're looking at ways to be more efficient with what we have—restructuring where needed, without compromising what students need to thrive.