Ephrata School Board Approves Placing Replacement Levy on Feb. 2025 Ballot

Ephrata School Board Directors unanimously approved placing an Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy on the February 2025 ballot for taxpayer consideration. If approved by voters, the levy will provide critical funding to support educational programs and daily operations for the next four years.

The proposed EP&O levy is not a new tax. It replaces the 2021 voter-approved levy, which expires in 2025. Collection would begin in 2026 and extend through 2029. The levy is designed to generate the following amounts annually to meet the district’s operational needs:

$2,713,253 in 2025 for collection in 2026
$2,821,783  in 2026 for collection in 2027
$2,934,654  in 2027 for collection in 2028
$3,052,040 in 2028 for collection in 2029

The estimated levy rate is $1.85 per $1,000 of assessed property value each year. Actual rates may vary slightly based on changes in property assessment and other factors. 

The Ephrata School District is classified as a property-poor district, making it eligible for Local Effort Assistance (LEA) funding from the state. This program provides approximately $3.2 million annually in additional support, supplementing the funds collected locally. These LEA funds are only available if the levy passes locally.

Levy dollars provide funding to cover areas the state does not and also helps bridge the gap between what the state pays for and what it actually costs to run a school district. Activities and athletics are fully funded by levy dollars, while elective classes, instructional technology, College in the High School, maintenance, supplies and operating costs, safety and security and staff training are partially funded.

“Ephrata is the smallest district in the Central Washington Athletic Conference (CWAC), yet we often have the most student athletes participating in the league,” said Superintendent Ken Murray. “Levies support roughly 1,100 participants in middle and high school sports, 600 participants in K-12 activities like Lego Robotics, Math Club, band and choir, and provide essential funding that supports classroom learning and keeps students safe.”

The EP&O Levy will be placed before voters for consideration on the February 11, 2025 ballot. All registered voters in the Ephrata School District are encouraged to participate.

For more information about the proposed levy and how it will impact Ephrata Schools, please visit TigersVote.org.

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About Ephrata Schools:
Since 1909, Ephrata Schools have provided a quality public education to all students, regardless of ability, race, wealth, language, religion or country of origin. At Ephrata Schools, we exist for kids and learning. We are deeply committed to every child's journey and work hard to ensure that every student graduates ready for career and life. For more information about the Ephrata School District, please visit www.EphrataSchools.org.