District launches levy advisory process for potential February 2026 ballot measures

Staff presented a levy kickoff and an advisory process for a potential February 10, 2026 local levy measure to renew funding for Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O), capital/technology/critical repairs and a possible one‑year transportation levy.

Presenters said the EP&O levy typically provides roughly 16–17% of general fund revenue and is generally proposed as a four‑year renewal. The capital levy would target technology refresh, critical repairs and facility safety projects such as vestibules, roof repairs, HVAC and fire systems; the transportation levy (typically one year) would fund replacement buses and charging infrastructure and could support additional electric buses if the board chooses that direction.

Staff outlined a schedule for community engagement: formation of a levy advisory committee (more than 55 applicants accepted), committee meetings in September and October, superintendent recommendation and a targeted board resolution in October, public outreach in November–January, and ballots mailed in January prior to the Feb. 10 election.

Board members discussed communicating detailed project descriptions beyond single‑page summaries so voters can understand goals, tradeoffs and priorities. Several directors said they expect the committee to produce recommendations that will guide a final levy package and emphasized minimizing any increase to the district tax rate where possible.

Next steps: Staff will convene the levy advisory committee, gather input from the community on project lists (including critical repairs and technology needs), and return to the board with a recommended levy resolution by late October for potential placement on the February 2026 ballot.