SPOKANE, Wash. — This November, Spokane voters will decide whether to renew a levy that funds academics, services, athletics and activities in Spokane Public Schools.
Property owners currently pay $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value — the maximum allowed under state law. For a home valued at $400,000, that amounts to $1,000 annually. If the levy passes, taxpayers will continue paying that same amount.
Of the district’s budget, about 15% comes from local taxes, with most of the remainder funded by the state. However, the district said state funding has not kept pace with inflation, creating significant budget pressures.
“Public schools sit at the heart of the health of Spokane, and investing in our kids is an investment in the future,” said Adam Swinyard, superintendent of Spokane Public Schools.
Some community members support the levy.
“Whether you have kids or not, these are going to be the children that are growing up in and making decisions for our communities in the future and members of our community, and so I think pouring into those students is always the best option,” said Erin Mensing, whose children attend Spokane Public Schools part time.
Other voters worry that the taxes could add up. Corde Cronkhite, a Spokane resident, expressed conflicting feelings about the tax.
“I always feel like we’re paying too many taxes,” Cronkhite said. “But at the same spot, good, because we need programs, security or sports or any kind of thing that’s going to give the school district an advantage to give the kids a better experience.”
Swinyard said inflation has already forced cuts in the school district, and he expects more if the levy doesn’t pass. The district has eliminated approximately 150 jobs annually for the last three years.
“We’re cutting into the bone marrow of the school district, not unlike many of our other school districts across our county and our state,” Swinyard said. “School districts are cutting into the bone marrow of their services they provide to kids.”
If voters approve the levy, the renewed taxes will begin in 2028 and continue for three years.
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