Both NKSD levy measures winning

Both North Kitsap School District levies were passing on election night.

Proposition 1 was winning 6,585 to 5,067, or 57% to 43%. Such funding measures require 50% plus one approval to pass. Bonds require a 60% supermajority.

Proposition 2 was winning by about the same margin, 56% to 44%, or 6,465 to 5,178.

Both propositions are replacement levies, not new taxes.

Prop. 1 is for Educational Programs and Operations, such as school staff, day-to-day operations, and programs and opportunities, such as athletics. It accounts for 15% of the district’s budget. It would raised $17 million in 2023 and $19.5 million in 2025.

Prop. 2 is a Facilities and Technology Capital Projects levy, which covers building maintenance and repairs, and technology for students and schools. It would raise $13 million in 2023 and $4 million in 2025.

The levies help bridge the gap between what the federal and state government funds and what districts say they need.

If approved the tax rate actually expects to go down from $2.53 per $1,000 valuation in 2023 to $1.49 per $1,000 valuation in 2026.