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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

These levies replace existing voter-approved measures that expire in 2026. Without renewal, and despite the previous rounds of painful budget cuts, the district would face even deeper cuts to programs, staff, and facility maintenance that the State of Washington does not fully fund.

The Federal Money for Covid-19 relief has now expired. The Covid relief money was utilized for required pandemic safety protocols and to establish the Anacortes Home School program.

The McCleary decision forced Washington to increase state funding for basic education—but it didn’t effectively address the root causes of public education’s funding challenges. Limited state funding is being stretched further due to inflation, higher special education needs, and rising utility and insurance costs.

This is a replacement levy—it’s about protecting what we already have. The funds will help the district maintain essential teachers, class sizes, and student services that state funding doesn’t fully cover. Without it, we’ll face more cuts to staffing, programs, and classroom support.

If the levy fails, the district will be forced to make significant reductions. While specific decisions haven’t been finalized, we know the impacts would be severe—larger class sizes, fewer teachers and staff, fewer extra-curricular activities, and fewer opportunities for students.

Yes, we understand that inflation and cost of living increases have disproportionately affected Anacortes residents on a fixed income. There is a program for senior citizens or those with certain disabilities to exempt them from property tax increases. More information can be found at: SeniorExempt.pdf and Skagit County Government Home Page.

While Washington’s marijuana tax generates hundreds of millions in revenue each year, most of it doesn’t go directly to K-12 schools. Schools are primarily funded through the state’s general fund and property taxes, not cannabis taxes—meaning any major increase in school support would require new legislation to re-earmark those dollars.

Yes, we voted to continue the EP&O and Capital Facility, Safety and Technology levies in 2022 but these local levies expire every four years and must be renewed through an election.

The Anacortes School District Board of Directors oversees allocation of levy funds. For Proposition 2, the Board determines the order, scope, and timing of capital projects. All funds are subject to state law requirements and must be spent only on eligible educational programs or capital improvements.

Ballots mailed January 21. Deadline to vote: February 10 at 8:00 PM.