The six-year replacement levy is designed to support Vancouver Public Schools’ long-term and future needs for technology, safety, and building functionality
At their Nov. 12 meeting, Vancouver Public Schools’ Board of Directors approved a replacement Technology, Safety, and Capital Projects Levy to appear on the Feb. 11, 2025 special election ballot.
The six-year replacement levy is designed to support Vancouver Public Schools’ long-term and future needs for technology, safety, and building functionality.
If passed by voters, the levy would go into effect Jan. 1, 2026 and would replace the current technology-focused capital levy that expires Dec. 31, 2025 and expand its purpose to include:
- Technology: replace and maintain future-ready digital tools and infrastructure that prepare students for modern learning and career opportunities
- Safety improvements: secure entrances and updated safety systems
- Building system repairs: extending the life of existing facilities (like updating HVAC or roofs)
Capital Project Fund levies like this can only be used for facility, equipment, and technology needs, and this levy would allow the district to address emerging safety and infrastructure needs without increasing the total taxpayer burden.
The estimated levy rates will be:
- $0.29 per $1,000 of assessed property value in 2026
- $0.36 per $1,000 in 2027
- $0.38 per $1,000 from 2028 through 2031.
Tax rates from previously approved bonds are expected to decrease in the future, meaning the total VPS tax rates are intended to remain consistent over time.
Local levy dollars make up about 12.5% of the district’s general fund budget.
More information is available on the VPS website.
Information provided by the Vancouver School District.
Also read:
- Hundreds rally in Olympia against proposed tax increases
Hundreds gathered in Olympia on Tax Day to protest a wide range of proposed tax hikes put forward by Democratic lawmakers in Washington state. - Vancouver City Council urged to adopt seven changes to limit public campingClark County Matters is calling on Vancouver leaders to adopt seven ordinance changes that would limit public camping and address growing concerns about safety and livability.
- On ‘Tax Day,’ Senate Democrats propose billions more in tax increases
On Tax Day, Washington Senate Democrats introduced new tax proposals totaling $12 billion, contrasting sharply with Senate Republicans’ no-new-taxes ‘$ave Washington’ budget proposal. - Letter: ‘There will be consequences’Hazel Dell resident Bob Zak criticizes Democratic lawmakers for advancing ESSB 5181, arguing it undermines parental rights and defies biblical principles.
- Clark County Fire District 10 selects local firm to begin planning for replacement of the Amboy Fire StationClark County Fire District 10 has selected Aetta Architecture to begin planning a replacement for the Amboy Fire Station, first built in 1963 and no longer equipped to meet modern emergency response demands.
- Kitten finders, kitten keepers?Nomi Berger shares practical steps for what to do if you find a litter of kittens this spring, including how to assess their needs and connect with Furry Friends in Vancouver.
- PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center seeks new members for Patient & Family Advisory CouncilPeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center is seeking new members for its Patient & Family Advisory Council to help improve patient care through direct community feedback.
No, no, and no. Sorry, but just no!
Property owners, especially those in Vancouver, are literally being taxed out of their homes. Vancouver City Council, just the other day, increased existing taxes and added on new taxes.
Owners are experiencing “death by a thousand cuts.” It’s just a little more for this, and just a little more for that… and when added up the tax bill just climbs and climbs.
PROPERTY OWNERS NEED A BREAK !!! WE ARE NOT YOUR CASH-COW !!!
Why don’t they list the previous rate so people can compare and determine now much their taxes will go up? They project an increase from $.29 to $.38…but assessed value will increase which means there will be an even higher increase in taxes…why don’t they address that? Where do they say what the annual projected taxes will be in total per year?