Questions and Answers–EHJR 4204

       On November 6, voters have the opportunity to vote on a ballot measure that impacts KSD. If approved, the measure officially known as EHJR 4204, or the Simple Majority measure, amends the Washington State Constitution to allow the passage of school district levies that have more than 50 percent approval. Below are questions and answers explaining the measure in
greater detail:

How does Washington’s current school levy system work?

Currently, local school levies must receive both a 60 percent supermajority approval and meet the 40 percent validation requirement to pass.

What would EHJR 4204 do?

EHJR 4204 would amend the Washington State Constitution and provide that a simple majority of voters (50 percent + 1) could authorize local school district levies. The amendment also removes the 40 percent election validation requirement. It does NOT apply to school bond elections. EHJR 4204 is on the November 6 ballot.

What do school levies pay for?

Local levies support school needs. In KSD, the levies help to support education programs and school operations such as drama, sports, Advanced Placement courses, transportation, and staff training. Our levy pays for nearly 19 percent of the district’s operating budget.

What happens if school levies don’t pass?

Some school levies have failed because they do not meet the supermajority requirement. Levy failures can result in budget cuts, which require program cuts, staff and/or teacher layoffs, and other disruptions. Elections cost money.
If KSD needs to run a subsequent election for the same levy, it takes money away from educational programs. It cost our district $228,561 to pay for the 2006 levy election.

Do all types of levies require a supermajority to pass?

No, they do not. Regular tax levies do not require supermajority approval. Public hospital districts, metropolitan park districts, and other taxing jurisdictions can pass levies to operate hospitals, parks, and other facilities with a simple majority vote. School districts are held to the supermajority standard to pass a local levy.