Education Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy

On February 8, 2022, a four-year replacement Education Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy was approved by voters.  These levy dollars will be used during the 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026 school years to support essential programs, staff, and operating expenses that are unfunded or under-funded by state and federal revenue. These include:

  • Art, Music and PE

  • Teacher training

  • Technology

  • Athletics and activities

  • Maintenance, supplies, and operating costs (utilities, instructional materials, roof and HVAC maintenance, security, and bus transportation)

The following is a list of commonly asked questions about School Programs and Operations Levies.

What is an Education Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy?
A levy pays for day-to-day educational programs and operations. Levy funds are used to make up the difference between the cost of educating Clarkston’s students and the funding received from the state and federal government.

What does the Education Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy help pay for?
The proposed levy maintains current district programs. It helps pay for:

  • Lower class sizes

  • Accelerated Reading Books and Tests

  • Kindergarten Readiness

  • Technology Updates for Classrooms

  • Textbooks, Library Materials and Curriculum Updates

  • Athletics at the High School and Middle School

  • Activities such as ASB, Honor Society, Theater, Music, and Art

  • Salaries for Coaches and Advisors

  • Bus transportation costs to and from school

  • Bus travel for Athletics and Activities

  • Maintaining teaching and support staff

  • Heat, lights, custodial supplies and equipment

What is the difference between a bond and a levy?

Bonds are for Building. Funds from bonds can only be used for construction or renovation of buildings, major repairs, and land purchases; they cannot be used for basic education. Bond funds are generally collected over a 15 to 20-year period (similar to a home mortgage).

Levies are for Learning. Levies make up the difference between funding from the state and federal government and the actual cost of operating a school district. Levies pay for teaching materials and equipment, bus transportation, building improvements, such as carpet replacement and interior painting, and vocational, athletic, drama, special education, and gifted programs. Levy funds are typically collected over a two to four-year time period and must be renewed (similar to a magazine subscription).

Is the levy a new tax?
This levy replaced the existing levy that expired in December 2022 and was approved by voters in 2018.

How much will the levy cost me?
The levy rate will be $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value throughout the four-year collection period.

How much is the levy request?
The levy request will be $4,261,000 in 2023, $4,474,000 in 2024, $4,698,000 in 2025, and $4,933,000 in 2026.

How often does Clarkston School District run a Education Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy?
Clarkston School District runs a replacement levy every four years.

Is there a tax exemption for senior citizens?
Yes. Some senior citizens may qualify for a partial or total exemption from payment of the levy property taxes. Contact the Asotin County Assessor at (509) 243-2016 to learn more.

Which students are impacted with programs funded from the levy?
Every one of our students! Levy dollars fund our day-to-day educational programs, such as textbooks, technology, athletics, activities, coaches, advisors, transportation, heat, lights, custodial supplies and equipment that affect all students throughout the district.

How do I register to vote?
There are several ways to register to vote. You may register at any school office or at the Asotin County Auditor’s Office located at 135 2nd Street in Asotin. Registration is also available online at www.sos.wa.gov/elections.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Superintendent's Office at 509.769.6338.