Federal Way school leaders outline EP&O levy renewal, warn of cuts if voters decline

Superintendent Dr. Danny Pfeiffer and Board President Dr. Jennifer Jones told the City Council on Dec. 2 that the Federal Way Public Schools Education Programs & Operations (EP&O) levy is a four‑year renewal, not a new tax, and that it helps pay for programs and staff that the state does not fully fund.

The district said state funding accounts for roughly 77% of its budget, federal aid about 8%, other local sources about 5%, and the EP&O levy roughly 10%. Pfeiffer said levy dollars fund classroom staff, special‑education supports, mental‑health staff, technology operations, transportation, athletics and extracurricular programs — “100% of our middle and high school competitive athletic programs,” he said — along with day‑to‑day operations such as utilities and facilities maintenance.

Pfeiffer warned that a failed levy would require “pretty significant reductions.” He estimated about 250 staff positions are currently funded by the EP&O levy and said the district would need to analyze program and personnel reductions if voters reject the renewal.

The district said voters would be asked to approve a fixed dollar levy amount (not a tax rate) and that the levy would be collected through 2030 if approved. Presenters showed an example projection that the district would collect about $71.4 million in 2027 based on an estimated tax rate of $2.5 per $1,000 of assessed value; the district emphasized that the total collected would not exceed the voter‑approved amount even if home values rise.

Dr. Jones asked residents to review levy information and attend district outreach sessions, and the presenters reiterated that only registered voters living inside Federal Way Public Schools boundaries will receive ballots. The presenters closed by directing residents to the district levy webpage and Levy@federalpublicschools.org for questions and to remind voters the due date for ballots is Feb. 10, 2026.

The City Council heard questions about consequences of a failed levy and about the timing of a February special election; Pfeiffer said February has historically produced positive turnout for school levies. The presentation was informational; the council did not take a vote on the levy itself.

The district’s presentation materials and tax‑impact examples were provided to the council and will be used in upcoming community outreach and the district’s voter information campaign.