No! Washington funds what it defines as basic education using a formula called the “prototypical model.” This outlines the minimum the state is required to fund. Because it’s based on formulas and assumptions, it only covers part of the staffing, programs, and services schools actually need.

Districts across the state, including Monroe, rely on locally approved levies to fill the gap between what the state funds and what it actually costs to support students. Local funding helps maintain the programs, staffing, technology, and facilities our community expects and our students use every day.

State-funded basic education includes minimum instructional time; a minimum number of staff positions (at state-calculated salary levels); a portion of special education; some English language and academic supports; about 83% of transportation costs; part of technology needs; and about 62% of supplies, materials, and operating costs. Anything beyond these minimums must be supported locally.

For example, the state provides no funding for athletics or extracurricular activities such as music, drama, and clubs. Local levy dollars help fund these programs, including the cost of advisors, coaches, officials, equipment, uniforms, and travel. Last year, Monroe’s Educational Programs and Operations Levy contributed more than $1.4 million to support these opportunities.

Local levies remain a key part of maintaining the programs and supports our community expects for students.

An easy way to remember the difference is: Bonds are for Buildings and Levies are for Learning.

Bonds: for buildings

A school bond is a local funding measure that lets the district borrow money for major construction and repair projects, such as:

• Building new schools
• Renovating or expanding existing schools
• Major repairs that go beyond regular yearly maintenance

Bonds work a lot like a home loan or mortgage. The district borrows the money up front and pays it back over time using property tax collections that voters approve. This allows the district to complete big projects when they’re needed instead of waiting many years.

Without bonds, the district would never be able to “save up” enough money to pay for these large projects. About 85% of the district’s budget goes to staffing, and the remaining funds are used for programs, operations, and supplies needed to run schools every day. There is simply not enough left over in the regular budget to cover the cost of building, significantly renovating, or completing major maintenance projects at schools.

Levies: for learning

A school levy is a local funding measure that helps pay for day-to-day learning and student opportunities, including things like:

• Educational programs, curriculum, and technology
• Extracurricular activities, clubs, and athletics
• Additional staff who support student learning, safety, health, social-emotional support, and operations

The state provides school districts with funding for “Basic Education”; however, it is enough to cover the actual costs to operate our schools, and it does not pay for many of the programs and supports families expect as part of a strong school experience. As a result, districts use levy funds to fill the gap and hire additional staff, or for student programming and services that are underfunded or not funded by the state.

School districts in Washington may place bonds and levies on the ballot as needed, but only during scheduled election dates. Most districts choose to align these measures with regularly occurring elections, such as those in February, April, August, or November, to reduce costs and ensure strong voter participation.

Educational programs and operations levies typically run on a 2–4 year cycle, while bonds for school construction or major facility improvements are usually proposed less frequently because they fund long-term capital projects. Districts time these measures to maintain stable funding and to avoid gaps in the programs and services that benefit students.

In Monroe, our Education Levy is on a 4-year cycle, which will expire at the end of 2026. The last School Construction Bond to pass in Monroe was in 2015. Details about the projects that were funded by that bond can be found here.

Both bonds and levies require approval by local voters within the school district's boundaries. In Washington, bonds require a higher majority of voter approval than levies; bonds require a supermajority to pass (60%) while levies require a simple majority to pass (50% + 1).

Bond measures must meet a validation requirement, in which the number of ballots cast must total 40% or more of the total number of ballots cast in the previous General Election. To validate the School Construction Bond in the February 2026 Special Election, a minimum of 4,092 local voters will need to vote. There is no validation requirement for levies.

No. The School Construction Bond and the Education Levy are separate ballot measures, and each stands on its own. Voters may approve one, both, or neither. Approval of one measure does not depend on approval of the other, and each funds different types of district needs.

Bond and levy funds are legally restricted and may only be used for the purposes approved by voters. Bond funds cannot be used for day-to-day operating expenses, and levy funds cannot be used for construction projects.

All district finances are subject to regular state audits, and spending is reviewed publicly by the School Board each year. The district also provides ongoing updates to the community to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the life of the bond and levy.

The chart below shows the total Monroe School District local tax rate over time, including past rates and projected future rates. It combines levies and construction bonds to show the full local tax picture.

Years 2027 and beyond are estimates based on current assumptions and available information.

If approved by voters, the proposed construction bond is estimated to:

• Begin collecting in 2027 at approximately $0.62 per $1,000 of assessed property value, and
• Increase slightly to about $0.82 in 2037, when the construction bond approved in 2015 drops off.

Education levies are four-year levies that must be renewed by voters every four years. If approved by voters, the proposed Education Levy would be in place from 2027–2030, and would need to be renewed again by voters in 2031 to continue beyond that period.

Overall, the measures are structured to keep the total local tax rate as stable as possible over time, avoiding large spikes and helping maintain predictability for taxpayers while meeting school needs.

View a PDF of the chart here

Monroe School District’s total local school tax rate for 2025 is $2.18 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
The table below shows how MSD’s rate compares with several nearby school districts.

*2025 rate per $1,000 of assessed property value. All school district listed also have two or more measures on the February 2026 ballot.

The district cannot spend more than the total dollar amount approved by voters for the bond. If construction costs change, project scopes will be adjusted to stay within the approved funding limit.

If costs are lower than anticipated, any savings must remain within the bond program and be used only for voter-approved capital purposes such as construction, renovation, expansion, and major maintenance. They cannot be used for day-to-day operating costs like staffing or classroom supplies.

Yes. Snohomish County offers property-tax relief for eligible homeowners through two programs:

• Exemptions: Lower your property taxes (sometimes significantly).
• Deferrals: Let you delay paying some property taxes until a later date.

These programs are for qualifying seniors, people with disabilities, and some disabled veterans, based on age, disability status, home ownership, and income.

Learn more and apply:
Visit the Snohomish County Assessor’s Property Tax Exemptions page for current requirements and the online application.  For questions, please call (425) 388-3540.

The proposed School Construction Bond would fund school safety and security improvements, major maintenance projects, and renovation and expansion projects designed to provide adequate, safe, modern facilities for our students and community. This would include:

• Safety and security improvements at schools district-wide
• Modernization and expansion of the Wagner Center to serve as a new school for Sky Valley Education Center
• Modernization of the original two-story wing at Frank Wagner Elementary and the addition of a new gym
• Modernization and expansion of the original gym/cafeteria/music building at Salem Woods Elementary, addition of classroom space, and playground updates for ADA accessibility
• Facility updates to support Special Education programming needs at Salem Woods Elementary, Maltby Elementary, Frank Wagner Elementary, and Hidden River Middle School, which would include enhanced storage, improved play areas with ADA accessibility, and restrooms/kitchenettes in select classrooms
• Enhancements for early learning facilities at all elementary schools, including creating dedicated restrooms within pre-k classrooms, making updates to existing restrooms, updating play areas, and adding classroom storage and space enhancements
• Improvements to existing outdoor athletic fields, including Memorial Field, Marshall Field, the old Park Place Ballfield, and the Frank Wagner Elementary Field, to expand community access to athletic facilities

Almost all of these projects were recommendations presented to the School Board in August by the Facility Advisory Committee (FAC), made up of 26 parents, staff, and community representatives. The FAC’s recommendations came after spending many months reviewing district-wide facility needs and identifying priority improvements.

You can read more details about all of these proposed projects here

About 85 percent of the district’s budget goes toward staffing, with the remainder covering programs, supplies, and day-to-day operating costs. There just isn’t enough left in the regular operating budget to set aside the large amounts needed for construction, major renovations, or significant maintenance work. 

Because of this, school districts use voter-approved bonds to fund these types of major capital projects. This approach allows communities to spread the cost over time rather than relying on yearly operating funds.

In February 2026, local voters will be asked to approve the total dollar amount the district may borrow and spend, not a fixed tax rate. If voters approve the measure, the district cannot spend more than the voter-approved maximum of $152,048,846, which would be repaid over 21 years.

Bond funds can only be used for capital projects such as construction, renovation, expansion, and major maintenance. They cannot be used for day-to-day operating costs like staffing or classroom supplies.

If approved by voters, the proposed construction bond is estimated to begin in 2027 at $0.62 per $1,000 of assessed property value per year.

The rate per $1,000 of assessed value is an estimate that will change over time as community-wide property values and interest rates fluctuate:

• When overall assessed property values increase, the estimated rate per $1,000 generally decreases in order to collect only the voter-approved amount.
• When overall assessed property values decrease, the estimated rate per $1,000 generally increases to ensure the voter-approved amount can still be collected.
• As more people move into the community and more properties are added to the tax base, the total amount is shared among more taxpayers, which can also reduce the estimated tax rate.

Final rates cannot be set until Snohomish County certifies property values and the School Board adopts official amounts.

In 2037, when the construction bond approved by voters in 2015 is scheduled to expire, the proposed bond rate is estimated to increase to approximately $0.82 per $1,000.

This long-term approach is designed to maintain stability in the total local tax rate over time, avoiding significant increases while continuing to support school facilities.

Many of the district’s facilities are reaching an age where continued short-term fixes are no longer the most responsible or cost-effective option. Delaying major repairs and replacements does not reduce costs; it typically increases them as construction prices rise and facilities continue to deteriorate. 

If the bond does not pass, the proposed construction, renovation, and major maintenance projects would not move forward at this time. The district would need to continue relying on short-term repairs and maintenance to keep facilities operational, even as buildings continue to age. 

At the same time, the district cannot set aside enough funding from its regular operating budget to address large-scale construction or major renovation needs. Operating funds are primarily used for staffing, instructional programs, and day-to-day school operations, leaving no practical way to “save up” for projects of this size.

At Sky Valley Education Center (SVEC), ongoing environmental monitoring and mitigation are required because the buildings were constructed using materials that are now known to be hazardous. While these efforts are necessary to maintain safe conditions, they do not provide long-term solutions or improve the functionality of the facility. Over the past two years alone, environmental mitigation efforts and related legal costs at SVEC have totaled $1,329,132. Continuing to invest in temporary mitigation and environmental testing rather than replacement diverts resources away from students and programs.

While these ongoing costs are necessary, they are not sustainable over the long term. Continuing to direct operating resources toward mitigation, testing, and compliance limits the district’s ability to maintain SVEC’s current scope of programming over time and reduces flexibility to respond to future student needs.

Proposing the bond now allows the district to address known facility needs proactively, reduce long-term costs, and invest in safer, more modern learning environments that serve students and the community for decades to come.

Currently, about 55% of the nearly 1,200 students served through Sky Valley Education Center (SVEC) come from outside Monroe School District. SVEC is a regional program that attracts families across the area because of its innovative, flexible, and personalized learning model.

Importantly, state education funding follows each student from their home district to Monroe, meaning Monroe School District receives state support to help educate out-of-district students who attend SVEC.

If the School Construction Bond is approved by voters, the proposed modernization and expansion of the Wagner Center, which would become the new home for SVEC, would be designed to serve approximately 650–700 full time students. While SVEC currently serves just under 1,200 students, all students attend on a part-time, flexible schedule. With thoughtful scheduling and the school’s personalized learning model, the proposed facility would be able to continue serving current program needs within the planned capacity.

As SVEC transitions into a right-sized facility, enrollment practices would prioritize Monroe School District students first, while maintaining the flexibility that makes the program successful. Enrollment availability may vary over time depending on student needs, scheduling structures, and building capacity. Practices are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain equitable, sustainable, and

The final building design and total square footage would not be determined until after voter approval. Following approval, the district would engage staff, families, and community members in a collaborative design process to ensure the facility meets the long-term needs of SVEC students and Monroe residents.

Learn more about the proposed Sky Valley Education Center replacement here.

If approved by voters, the modernized and expanded Wagner Center, which would serve as the new home for Sky Valley Education Center (SVEC), would be designed to support approximately 650–700 full time students.

SVEC currently serves just under 1,200 students; however, all students attend on a part-time, flexible schedule. With thoughtful scheduling and the school’s personalized learning model, the proposed facility would be able to continue serving current programming needs within the planned capacity.

SVEC’s innovative and flexible educational approach attracts interest from families across the region. As the program continues to evolve within a right-sized facility, enrollment practices would be structured to ensure priority enrollment is given to students living within Monroe School District boundaries, while maintaining the flexibility that supports SVEC’s instructional model.

Enrollment availability at SVEC may vary over time based on student needs, scheduling structures, and facility capacity. Enrollment practices are regularly reviewed to ensure they are sustainable, equitable, and aligned with the long-term interests of Monroe School District students and the community.

The total square footage and final design of the modernized and expanded Wagner Center would not be finalized until after voter approval. Following approval, a collaborative design process involving staff, families, and community members would help ensure the facility meets the long-term needs of SVEC students and the Monroe community.

Learn more about the proposed Sky Valley Education Center replacement here

All of the voter-approved projects included in the last School Construction Bond were completed on time and on budget, exactly as promised to local voters. You can read about the full list of completed construction, improvement, and major maintenance projects made possible through community support here

The modernization work at Frank Wagner Elementary and Salem Woods Elementary was always planned to be completed in phases, as additional phases are only possible when approved and funded by the community.

Frank Wagner Elementary
The 2015 voter-approved bond included specific improvements, such as:

• A new two-story addition connected to the existing classroom wing featuring 10 permanent classrooms arranged around shared learning spaces, a new library and makerspace for art, science, and digital learning, new special education spaces and a relocated main office
• Full campus perimeter fencing and a new outdoor courtyard
• Site improvements including a separated bus loop, safer drop-off areas, and expanded parking

Additional needs, such as modernization of the original classroom wing and expanded gym space, were not included in the 2015 bond scope and would require future voter approval to complete.

Salem Woods Elementary
The 2015 bond funded a major modernization project that included:

• A new two-story instructional building with 42,021 square feet of new space featuring indoor hallways, a secure main entrance vestibule, 24 classrooms arranged around shared learning spaces, a new library, special education classrooms, outdoor learning areas,
• A fully enclosed campus with perimeter fencing
• Improved traffic flow with expanded parking and a new bus loop

One remaining older building that houses the gym, lunchroom, and music area and updates to the playground were not included in the voter-approved bond scope, and upgrades to that space would require future bond support.

If approved, the large construction projects at Salem Woods Elementary, Frank Wagner Elementary, and the replacement of Sky Valley Education Center would first enter a planning and design phase. This phase includes community input, permitting, and the development of final cost estimates.

Because construction costs typically increase over time, larger and more complex projects would generally be scheduled earlier in the overall timeline to help limit the impact of inflation. Project cost estimates already include projected inflation through 2028, which is when most of the larger proposed projects are expected to be completed.

Construction timelines would vary by project and would be phased over multiple years to minimize disruption to students and school operations, rather than occurring all at once.

The Education Levy provides local funding for the day-to-day learning experiences and supports that students rely on but the state does not fully fund. Levy dollars help pay for:

• Educational programs, curriculum updates, and classroom technology
• Extracurricular activities, like drama, clubs, and athletics
• Additional teachers, paraeducators, nurses, counselors, safety staff, and other critical positions the state does not fully fund
• Student support services such as health, safety, and social-emotional programs
• Operations needs the state funds only partially, including transportation, maintenance, and supplies

The state funds only a portion of the actual cost to operate public schools. Local levies make up the difference so schools can maintain the programs and staffing levels communities expect.

Washington’s definition of “Basic Education” sets a legal minimum, not the level of service communities typically expect. The state’s funding formula:

• Covers only state-calculated minimum staffing positions, often at lower-than-actual salary levels
• Funds only about 62% of supplies, materials, and operating costs
• Funds about 83% of transportation
• Covers only a portion of special education services
• Does not fund athletics, music, drama, or other extracurricular programs

Local levy dollars fill these gaps so the district can maintain reasonable class sizes, keep programs running, and offer student opportunities that enrich education.

The renewal of the expiring four-year Education Levy is estimated to cost an average of $1.69 per $1,000 of assessed property value over the four-year life of the levy. Final rates may change based on Snohomish County’s certified property values.

As community-wide property values increase, or as more properties are added to the tax base, the estimated rate per $1,000 can decrease because the cost is shared among more taxpayers.

In 2022, voters approved a four-year Education Levy with an estimated rate of $1.71 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Over the life of that levy, the actual average rate was $1.48 per $1,000. That levy is expiring.

The district is asking voters to consider renewing the levy for another four years at an average estimated rate of $1.69 per $1,000 to collect a maximum of:

• $23,120,511 in 2027 (estimated rate of $1.73)
• $24,369,039 in 2028 (estimated rate of $1.70)
• $25,672,800 in 2029 (estimated rate of $1.68)
• $26,944,399 in 2030 (estimated rate of $1.65)

It’s important to understand that a levy rate is an estimate, not a fixed amount. The total amount collected by the levy is capped, but the rate can change from year to year depending on the total assessed property value in the district. If assessed values increase, the levy rate may be lower than estimated; if assessed values decrease, the rate may be higher.

The proposed replacement levy includes a slightly higher total amount to help maintain programs and services as costs rise. This includes addressing competitive labor market pressures and staff shortages, inflation and rising operating costs, and higher costs for supplies, services, and technology. The proposal also allows the district to add one additional security staff member and one additional grounds staff member (there are currently only 3.25 full time staff members maintaining grounds district-wide), and to update technology infrastructure and student/staff devices to support learning.

In addition, the State continues to require districts to implement new requirements that are not always fully funded. Without local levy support, meeting these requirements can require reductions in other areas. The proposed levy amounts are designed to help protect educational programs and services from cuts as costs increase through 2030.

If a levy fails, school districts have one opportunity to re-run the levy during the same calendar year. If the levy fails a second time, the district would not be able to continue collecting existing levy funds beginning in 2027, impacting at minimum the 2026–27 and 2027–28 school years.

The Education Levy currently represents approximately 16% of Monroe School District’s annual operating budget. Without levy funding, the district would be required to reduce expenditures by a corresponding amount. These reductions would affect staffing, programs, and operating costs such as supplies and materials. Specific impacts would be determined by the School Board through the budget reduction process.

In other Washington school districts that have experienced double levy failures, reductions have included staffing decreases, program reductions, and operational reductions. Any budget decisions in Monroe would depend on district priorities, contractual obligations, and Board direction.