Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) levies are temporary, which is why we run replacement levies.
Under Washington State law, school districts may ask voters to authorize levies for a limited term of two to four years. Spokane Public Schools typically runs three-year levies. At the end of each authorized term, levy collections stop unless voters approve a replacement measure.
The term “replacement levy” describes its timing. The current SPS levy was approved in February 2024 and authorizes collections during 2025, 2026 and 2027. If passed, the Nov. 3, 2026, ballot proposal would authorize collections for 2028, 2029 and 2030.
The estimated rate for both the final years of the current levy and the proposed replacement is $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
Running a levy periodically gives voters a chance to consider specific information for a defined period. Each measure identifies the annual dollar amount the district would be authorized to collect, an estimated tax rate for each year the levy would be collected, and which programs and operations the revenue is intended to support.
On Nov. 3, 2026, voters within Spokane Public Schools boundaries will consider a three-year replacement EP&O levy. If approved, it would collect no more than $107 million in 2028, $111 million in 2029 and $115 million in 2030 to support an improved student experience. The estimated rate is $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value each year. For more information, visit Learn About the Levy.