On February 13, 2024 an Educational Programs and Operations Levy will be presented to the voters of our community to replace the current Educational Programs and Operations Levy which expires at the end of 2024. Levy dollars provide nearly 20% of the district’s budget which is not funded by the state.

An Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy, often referred to as a Maintenance and Operations (M & O levy), is a replacement levy to cover the gap between state funding and the cost of existing programs and operations. School levies are the only locally approved ballot measures that directly pay for classroom and educational needs of students not funded by the state. Districts may place levy measures for up to four years on the local ballot. The Tenino School District is requesting a four-year replacement levy.

Levy funding is temporary. In 2020, the citizens of Tenino passed a ballot measure to provide levy funding for our schools through 2024. In order to sustain school funding, a replacement levy will be on the ballot. 100% of our local levy funds stay in Tenino schools maintaining educational programs and district operations. These programs include:

How much will the Levy cost?

The proposed levy is not a new tax. The measure on the February 2024 ballot would replace an expiring four-year Educational Programs and Operations Levy that was approved by Tenino voters in February of 2020. The estimated maximum tax rate would be $2.50 per $1000 of assessed property value.

Where can I get more information about the school district’s proposed Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy ballot measure?

Specifics about the ballot measure are included on the school district website at: https://www.teninosd.org/page/capital-planning-construction.

Are any citizens exempt from local levy taxes?

Yes. Qualifying senior citizens, disabled persons and 100% disabled veterans may be eligible for a full or partial exemption. For more information, please call the Senior/Disabled Program Specialist at the Thurston County Assessors Office at 360-867-2200 or TDD 360-754-2933 or visit www.co.thurston.wa.us/assessor.