SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — West Valley School District voters will decide the fate of two replacement levies this November, with the district asking taxpayers to continue funding education programs and building improvements at existing rates.
While some voters have concerns about the district’s use of its funds, the district said it needs the money to bridge funding gaps and avoid cutting staff and programs.
“Our community has been very supportive and helping support the programs that are in the schools, programs that are in our community,” said Kyle Rydell, the district’s superintendent. “And so, it’s just that ‘thank you’ to our taxpayers for what they’ve done previously and, hopefully, what they’re going to continue to do.”
The first levy covers educational programs and operations. Currently, property owners pay $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed value — the maximum amount allowed under state law. If voters approve the replacement levy, that rate would remain unchanged.
The second levy funds capital projects, including building updates and school safety improvements. This levy also would stay at $1 per $1,000 of assessed value.
Planned capital improvements funded by the levy include security system upgrades at all schools and a library addition at Pasadena Park Elementary.
For a homeowner with a $400,000 house, the two levies combined cost $1,400 annually. If approved, the renewed taxes would take effect in 2028.
Superintendent Kyle Rydell said the district faces mounting financial pressure from declining student enrollment and increased operational costs. Lower enrollment means fewer state dollars flowing to the district.
Ahead of this school year, the district cut some positions through attrition, retirements and layoffs, which Rydell said saved $2.5 million.
“It’s hard making reductions throughout any program,” Rydell said. “You always really try to look at what are necessary in each of the schools.”
However, not all community members support the levies.
Ryan Rose used to work as one of two school safety officers in the district. His job was among those that was cut, but he still coaches football and wrestling at Centennial Middle School.
While he backs the programs the levy would fund, Rose said the district is managing its money poorly and cutting the wrong positions.
“I’m in support of all of the things that the levy is intended to pay for, but when we write an open check to an administration that chooses to spend the money where they see fit, then what do the people do?” Rose said.
The district has maintained one school safety officer and its contract with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office for school resource deputies.
Still, Rose believes the district should find savings elsewhere rather than making cuts to school safety — and other positions he said are essential to students.
“You do the things that you have to do to make sure the budget fits your needs,” Rose said. “And our budget doesn’t fit our needs right now, as a school district.”
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