There are two types of local taxes collected: Levies and Bonds. Levies pay for ongoing operational and enrichment costs and bonds pay for major construction. A quick way to remember this is that Bonds are for Buildings and Levies are for Learning.

The EP&O levy pays for programs and operating costs not funded by the state including many elective classes, band, choir, drama support, technology, class materials, building maintenance, utilities, insurance, many staff who are not part of the State prototypical model, and all athletics and activities. These dollars are key in the success of all students and provide an essential revenue stream to the District. Regardless of the grade level, students are benefited by these dollars. 

Levies can be run for just a year or up to four years and must be renewed by the district voters to continue. In February of 2021, the District ran a three-year replacement levy to assist with funding our educational programs and operations, and the voters approved this levy to be collected in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Running a three-year levy ultimately saves the District some expenditures with election costs allowing more dollars to be spent directly on our students.

What Does the Levy Support and How Much Does it Cost?

Included in this category: 

• Art teacher at Lakeside Middle School (position brought back)

• Elective teachers at both Lakeside Middle School and Lakeside High School

• Additional teachers to reduce class sizes

• Guidance counselor support at the secondary level

• Additional office and administrative support in all buildings

Included in this category:

• Athletic/Activities Director at Lakeside Middle School

• Athletic/Activities Director at Lakeside High School

• Club advisors

• Officials for athletic events

• Security for athletic and extra-curricular events

• Transportation to performances, events, athletic events, etc.

  • Bus transportation

  • Van transportation

• Hotels for state tournaments

• Registration for elective events

  • Band and choir festivals

• Supplies and repairs for athletics

  • Football helmets – reconditioning current helmets and new helmets

• Curriculum support for elective classes

• Annual payment to ASB for athletics

  • Supplies

  • Entry fees

  • Uniforms

• Technology for athletics

• FinalForms software 

Included in this category:

• Maintenance, custodial, and grounds staff salaries not included in state funding

• Utilities

• Repairs

• Supplies

Included in this category: 

• Chromebook repairs

At ballot time, the Nine Mile Falls School District collects applications from persons interested in being appointed to committees to write the for/against statements for the Spokane and Stevens County Local Voters’ Pamphlets related to the District’s upcoming ballot measure. Those interested should send their name, address, phone number and which position they represent to Jeff Baerwald, Superintendent, Nine Mile Falls School District, 10110 W. Charles Rd., Nine Mile Falls, WA 99026-9624 or via email at Email Jeff Baerwald. The School Board will take action on the appointments at a regular board meeting proceeding the ballot.  In making the committee appointments, the Board will consider the criteria for appointments made by the Spokane County Auditor’s Office established in the Spokane County Local Voters’ Pamphlet Administrative Rules for Jurisdictions.