Longview School District weighs three replacement-levy scenarios; board leans to middle option

District staff and outside consultants on Sept. 22 laid out three options for a replacement capital projects, security and technology levy and recommended the board prepare to ask voters to replace expiring local levies.

The presentation, based on a scientific survey of 300 registered adults inside Longview School District boundaries, found 51% of respondents said they would "strongly or somewhat" support a replacement levy and that school safety was the community's top priority (68% listed it as "very important"). Presenters said parents with current students showed much higher support (78%).

Consultants described three scenarios that would affect the combined locally voted collections over a four-year period beginning in 2027. Scenario A would result in a roughly 1% increase in combined collections by 2030; Scenario B a 2% increase; and Scenario C a 3% increase. Staff said the planning models assume 5% annual assessed-value growth for forecasting and noted the district’s current EP&O levy expires Dec. 31, 2028.

"We asked residents inside the LPS boundaries whether they would likely support a replacement capital projects, security and technology levy," the presenter said, summarizing the survey results and the district's approach to crafting a balanced request that aligns with community priorities.

Board discussion centered on balancing district needs — aging roofs, HVAC work, security upgrades and CTE modernization — against voter sensitivity to taxes and the local economy. Several members voiced concern for fixed-income seniors and overlapping ballot measures in the county. Some members emphasized the need to show voters how past levy dollars were spent.

After debate, several board members said they preferred the middle option (Scenario B). The board asked staff to prepare details for Scenario B for the Oct. 13 meeting and indicated that, if approved later, the district would seek a February 2026 election date for the measure to align with staff recommendations about timing.

What happens next: Staff will return with refined Scenario B figures and a draft resolution at the Oct. 13 meeting for the board to consider. If the board adopts a resolution, the district expects to begin campaigning and complete the county ballot submittal steps toward a potential February 2026 vote.

Sources: Presentation and discussion at the Longview School District board meeting, Sept. 22, 2025.