Lyle Schools Replacement Levy 2023

Lyle School District is seeking voter approval for a three-year replacement levy at a lower proposed rate than in years past. The levy funds staff positions, athletics, music, art, classroom supplies, coaches, and bus service outside of what the state funds. 

Remember to vote by February 14!

Financial Facts About the Levy

Is this a new tax?

No. It replaces the current levy that expires at the end of 2023. The proposed rate per $1,000 is lower than in past rates. This district is requesting approval of total collections of up to $700,000 in 2024, 2025, and 2026. This is the same total amount approved by voters in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

What does the levy fund?

The levy funds salaries for staff members like classroom teachers and paraeducators; extracurricular activities like athletics; music, art, classroom supplies; salaries for coaches, and bus service outside of what the state funds. 

* Note: Funds from the sale of the Dallesport building can only be used for capital projects, not the education programming costs that the levy funds. Dallesport building sale funds will be used to replace the school’s HVAC and for roofing repairs.

Lowest Tax Rate in Years

What will the proposed levy cost the average property owner?

In 2024, the taxes collected on property valued at $325,000 (an estimated tax rate of $1.36) will equal $36.83 per month or about $9.21 per week.

The District has Kept (and Will Continue to Keep) its Promise

We promised voters we would collect no more—and probably quite a bit under—the full $700,000 per year voters approved.

Current Levy Collections

Total District Funding

In 2021-2022, the levy made up 14% of the district’s total operating budget.

• State funding 73%
• Federal funding 12%
• Local levy 14%
• Other 1%

Why are local levies important?

Personnel costs make up about 70% of our total $6,085,000.00 budget. Without local levy dollars, Lyle School District would not be able to provide many of the programs that our school has had for years and that our community values.

The levy pays for:

1. Salaries and benefits of teachers and paraeducators.
2. Bus drivers for extracurricular sports and other after-school activities.
3. Salaries and benefits of other important school staff positions: a part-time school nurse, a school counselor, a part-time tech support staff person, office support staff, nutrition services, and maintenance staff.
4. Technology costs state funding doesn’t cover, student breakfast and lunch costs, and utility costs not covered by the state.
5. Costs associated with programs that motivate many of our students to stay in school and work hard, like athletics and career and technical education (previously called vocational education).

Are tax exemptions available? 

Yes, disabled persons or those over 61 years of age may be eligible for tax exemptions. More information may be received by contacting the Klickitat County Assessor’s Office at 509-773-3715.