Orcas IslandSchool District

What exactly is a levy anyway?

Every four years, voters must reauthorize the Educational Programs and Operations Levy (EP&O), also known as the "Learning Levy." This renewal ensures that our community's programs and offerings, approved at the ballot box for over half a century, continue. From honors classes to band programs to the arts, the "Learning Levy" funds the programs, experiences, and student opportunities that the state does not fully support.

What will the levy cost?

EP&O Levy Chart

Levies are for Learning!

A Levy is a local property tax passed by the voters of a school district that generates revenue to fund programs and services that the state does not pay for as part of “basic education.”


On Orcas, levy dollars help pay for:

• Student Learning and Staffing: Smaller Class Sizes, Career Tech (CTE), Advanced Placement Classes, Certificated Staff, Classified Staff. Investment in Academic Growth, by continuing our progress toward improving student learning throughout Orcas Island School District.

• Student Programs and Activities: Art, Music, Athletics, Farm to Classroom, Drama, Physical Education.

• Student Services: Social-Emotional Learning, Special Education, Multi-Language Learners, Child Nutrition Program, Mental Health, Health.

• Operations and Maintenance: Utilities, Safety, Supplies.

How your levy dollars are spent...

Student learning and staffing represents the bulk of levy spending. Here’s a breakdown of how levy funds are allocated by category:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Complete FAQ List