The EP&O Levy is necessary to maintain the high quality school experience that children deserve. Without the levy, there will be significant cuts for teachers and paraeducators, meaning crowded classrooms and fewer vocational classes. School safety staff and mental health resources will be reduced. There will also be cuts to sports, clubs and activities.

Tahoma already receives nearly the lowest funding among all King County districts, and every other county district has an EP&O Levy. As a result, Tahoma spends less per student than most neighboring districts. Yet we still have amazing teachers, important classes, and strong extracurricular programs. We get a better bang for our buck than most districts.

The replacement levy will not add programs or increase staff to student ratios. We’ve paid a lower levy rate since 2021 because the district could afford to collect less and fully fund staff and programs. That is no longer sustainable, so we must pay the full levy amount to maintain our high quality school experience for children.

Strong schools lead to stronger and safer communities. Your “yes” vote is a vote of confidence in students, and the continued improvement of our district and community. Please vote yes!

Submitted by: Krissy Riggs, Jerry Gaston, Jim Flynn, voteyestahoma.com

While levy funds may close funding gaps, taxpayers cannot in good conscience endorse another levy without assurances that funds are being utilized effectively to meet student needs and improve student outcomes. Tahoma is now asking for the maximum rate without explanation. In 2018, the rate was capped at $1.50 and the district maintained programs and an unusually high surplus. What changed?

The lack of detail surrounding an unusually high "rainy day fund" and its subsequent spend down raises red flags, especially with the influx of COVID funds. A spend down that lacked implementing the necessary safety measures to protect students from bullying and assault while on district property.

Are we spending levy dollars to benefit the greatest number of students and improve student outcomes? We don’t know. The district has no metrics which show the effectiveness of current levy funded programs on student ability to be "Future Ready."

Our community deserves evidence that their contributions make a difference in student outcomes, as well as accountability and partnership with the district. Taxpayers cannot responsibly support another levy until the district addresses their concerns and provides the transparency necessary to earn the community's yes vote.

Submitted by: Tina Dechand, LevyNo.com

Tahoma students earned 1,139 industry-recognized credentials last year. Students are prepared for careers in mechanics, welding, robotics, business and more. Because of levy funding, Tahoma offers robust programming for many valuable career paths.

Students begin their path to career and personal success through levy-funded K-12 programs, like STEM and arts, taught by qualified, levy-funded educators. Mental health, behaviors and academic engagement are enhanced through levy-funded sports, clubs, and activities.

Submitted by: Krissy Riggs, Jerry Gaston, Jim Flynn, voteyestahoma.com

Tahoma School District's levy proposal lacks transparency. It requests the maximum levy rate without allocating funds for additional programs or staff. How is this a "better bang for our buck"? Taxpayers want to fund levies that maximize student potential, but deserve clarity on how their money will be spent. If Tahoma wants taxpayer support for this levy, they must communicate specific details regarding the use of levy dollars, ensuring trust and accountability in the community.

Submitted by: Tina Dechand, LevyNo.com

Download the full text of the resolution

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

For questions about this measure, contact: AJ Garcia, Public Relations Director, (425) 413-3400