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Shoreline School District No. 412

Proposition No. 1

Replacement of Expiring Levy for Educational Programs and Operations

The Board of Directors of Shoreline School District No. 412 adopted Resolution No. 2025-15, concerning a proposition to finance educational programs and operations expenses. This proposition would authorize the District to meet educational needs of its students by levying the following excess taxes, in place of the expiring levy, on all taxable property within the District, for support of the District’s educational programs and operations expenses not funded by the State of Washington:

Collection Year

Estimated Levy

Rate/$1,000

Assessed Value

Levy Amount

2027

$1.67

$39,000,000

2028

$1.69

$41,500,000

2029

$1.71

$44,000,000

2030

$1.72

$46,500,000

 

all as provided in Resolution No. 2025-15. Should this proposition be approved?

Yes

No


Passage of Proposition No. 1 would allow Shoreline Public Schools to replace an existing educational programs and operations levy that will expire at the end of calendar year 2026. The taxes collected by this replacement levy will be used to pay expenses of educational programs and operations that are not fully funded by the State of Washington. This includes, but is not limited to, staffing to keep class sizes reasonable, professional development for teachers, inclusive learning supports, multilingual learner programs, school-based student support staff, transportation, athletics and performance teams, performing arts, and other extracurricular activities. Further information is available on the District’s website at www.ssd412.org/Levies26.

The proposed four-year replacement educational programs and operations levy would authorize collection of taxes to provide up to $39,000,000 in 2027, $41,500,000 in 2028, $44,000,000 in 2029, and $46,500,000 in 2030. The levy rate per $1,000 of assessed value required to produce these amounts is estimated to be $1.67 in 2027, $1.69 in 2028, $1.71 in 2029, and $1.72 in 2030. The exact levy rate and amount to be collected may be adjusted based upon the actual assessed value of the taxable property within the District and the limitations imposed by State law at the time of the levy. Exemptions from taxes may be available to certain homeowners. For more information, call the King County Department of Assessments, 206-296-3920.

Shoreline and Lake Forest Park voters have consistently supported public education. This replacement levy continues that tradition by maintaining essential programs for our 9,000+ students. If the levies are approved, the average tax rate over the four-year levy period, 2027-2030, is projected to be lower than the previous four years. The levy provides 16.5% of district operating revenue and prevents the drastic cuts that would otherwise be inevitable.

This levy funds what the state does not: reasonable class sizes, teacher professional development, inclusive learning supports for all students, multilingual learner programs, school-based counselors and support staff, transportation, athletics, performing arts, and other extracurricular activities.

Property owners will pay less to Shoreline schools in 2027 than in 2025, even if both EP&O and Tech Levies pass. The rate drops from $3.21 per $1,000 assessed value in 2025 to $3.20 in 2027.

Shoreline outperforms state averages in graduation rates and college readiness while serving diverse student needs. Vote yes to prevent staff cuts, maintain smaller class sizes, and ensure every child receives quality education regardless of background. Well-funded schools strengthen our community and protect property values.

Statement submitted by: Sarah Press, Malorie Larson, https://voteyesshoreline.wixsite.com/vote-yes-for-shore-1

Shoreline School District is asking you to support a levy that is 57% greater than what we budgeted four years ago.

That's right, a 57% increase... all because elected officials simply haven't controlled expenditures. Instead of doing the hard work themselves, they ask our families to foot the bill. Prop 1 costs the average household $6,600 over the next four years, hurting lower and fixed income families the most, even making housing less affordable. It's simply too much.

We love our schools. As a Shoreline Schools graduate, son of a schoolteacher, parent of Shoreline students, and a part-time public school employee myself, I understand the quality level of education provided in our schools. The issues we face are not with our wonderful teachers; we all strive for the very best for children in our community.

Vote No for a sustainable plan - a sensible 30-35% four-year increase that both stays ahead of inflation and accounts for small increases in district enrollment. Your No vote gives ample time for a better proposal in 2026, (one we can all support!) It's hard to say No, but sometimes it's the right thing to do. Please vote No on Proposition 1.

 

Statement submitted by: Nate Herzog 

Inflation and chronic underfunding leave legally mandated services—like special education, utilities and insurance—with a growing 25% annual deficit. After repeated years of staff cuts, there is nothing left to trim. With state and federal funding stagnant, passing this levy is the only way to prevent larger classes and service losses. A 30-35% increase merely covers existing deficits and inadequate staff ratios; it is essential to move beyond bare minimum so students can thrive.

 

Statement submitted by: Sarah Press, Malorie Larson, https://voteyesshoreline.wixsite.com/vote-yes-for-shore-1

Although being billed as a replacement levy, Proposition 1 goes much further: $62 million in increased spending from four years ago, at a time when district enrollment has not increased.

It's simply not sustainable for our community. Despite similar levy rates, each year home values increase, it's a massive net property tax spike on working families. It's okay to vote No, allowing our School Board to present a newer, financially sustainable plan later this year.

 

Statement submitted by: Nate Herzog 

Simple majority (Wash. Const. art. VII, sec. 2(a))

For questions about this measure, contact: Rachel Belfield, Public Information Officer, (206) 393-4412, public.info@ssd412.org

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