FAQ
Learn More about the Levy!
What does the levy Do?
The school levy is a local property tax that generates revenue to operate our school district. It covers the costs of essential staff, services, and programs that are critical to providing a comprehensive education but are not funded by the state.
Is it a new tax?
The replacement levy is not a new tax; it simply replaces the existing levy, which expires in 2024. School levies typically run on a three-year cycle.
What will it cost?
The estimated tax rate in the Mead School District would be $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. For a $500,000 home, that equals $1,000 per year or about $104 per month.
*Home price listed is the median average sold home price in Mead in September 2023, according to Realtor.com.
What will happen if property values go up?
The school district can’t collect more than the total amount approved by voters. If property values go up, the tax rate is adjusted downward. Increases in property values do not generate more revenue for the school district.
What does the levy pay for?
The current levy funds staff, programs, and services that are essential to a comprehensive, well-rounded education yet fall outside of a state-funded basic education:
- Extra-curriculars like sports, music, drama, and student clubs
- Academics like elective course offerings, advanced placement courses, elementary specialists, special education, and staff for smaller class sizes
- Student support through nurses and paraeducators, counselors and social workers, English language learning, and student intervention
- Future readiness through work-based learning, career-track opportunities, STEM courses, and technology
What happens if the levy fails?
If voters don’t approve the levy, there will be no funding source for many essential staff members, programs, and services in 2025 and beyond.
How does the district decide where to spend levy dollars?
The district conducts a combination of surveys, focus groups, and community engagement meetings with both staff and community members. The feedback directly informs the district’s strategic plan and top priorities for educating our kids.
How does passing the levy help our district get more state funding?
When a school levy passes, it activates additional money from the state called Local Effort Assistance (LEA). These matching dollars from the state enhance student access to educational enrichments. So, a successful levy brings even more funding into our schools, maximizing the value for local taxpayers.
How does our district's levy compare to other school districts in the area?
When we combine the tax rate for the current bond with the tax rate for the levy, the total tax rate will be an estimated $3.65 (after adding in the estimated bond rate of $1.15). Based on available data, this total tax rate is expected to be in the middle of the pack among 12 other local comprehensive school districts.
Are there any tax exemptions available?
Low-income seniors and people with disabilities may qualify for tax relief and exemptions. For more information, visit the Spokane County website or call the Spokane County Assessor’s Office at (509) 477-3698.