Replacement technology, safety, and capital projects levy

Our VPS board of directors passed a resolution to place a replacement technology, safety and capital projects levy on the February 11, 2025 ballot. This is not a new tax, it replaces an expiring levy, and can only be used for capital projects. We wanted to share some facts about the intent of this levy and what it will support. 

Ballots due Feb. 11, 2025

Technology, Safety, and Capital Projects Levy on February Balloticons

Our VPS board of directors passed Resolution No. 928, placing a replacement Technology, Safety, and Capital Projects Levy on the ballot for February 11, 2025. Here’s what you need to know:

  • What is the intent of this Levy?

This levy replaces our existing technology-focused levy and expands its purpose to include:

  • Technology, replace and maintain future-ready digital tools and infrastructure that prepare students for modern learning and career opportunities.
  • Safety improvements, like secure entrances and updated safety systems
  • Building system repairs to extend the life of existing facilities (e.g., HVAC, roofs).

  • Why is the Levy Needed?

To fund specific needs, such as technology and building improvements, that are not fully covered by state and federal funding.

  • Capital Project Fund (CPF) levies like this cannot be used for classroom staffing or general operations. They are limited to facility, equipment, and technology needs.

  • How much will it cost?

The estimated levy rates* are:

  • $0.29 per $1,000 of assessed property value in 2026.
  • $0.36 per $1,000 in 2027.
  • $0.38 per $1,000 from 2028 through 2031.

Tax rates from previously approved bonds are expected to decrease in the future, meaning the total VPS tax rates are intended to remain consistent over time.

*Future tax rates are estimates and fluctuate due to changes in property assessments and area growth.

  • What if the levy doesn’t pass?

Funding would be lost for:

  • Updating aging technology tools and infrastructure.
  • Safety improvements, such as secure entrances and upgraded surveillance systems.
  • Repairs to extend the life of buildings, such as HVAC and roofing projects.

There may be challenges maintaining current safety and technology standards

Necessary maintenance and upgrades may have to be deferred – potentially resulting in higher repair costs and possible impact to the learning environment.

Current investments in future-ready technology and services may not be sustained, potentially impacting the district’s ability to ensure network security and access to digital resources.

  • If this passes, when would the replacement levy go into effect and what is the duration?

This is a six-year replacement technology, safety and capital projects levy that would go into effect January 2026 and would expire December 31, 2031. This replacement levy will replace the current six-year technology levy that expires in 2025.

  • Key Points

  • The levy will provide continued investment in necessary future-ready technology and safety projects.
  • It will help maintain and extend the reliability of school facilities through 2031.
  • The levy will allow the district to address emerging safety and infrastructure needs without increasing the total tax burden for local taxpayers.

This resolution, adopted on November 12, 2024, is designed to support the Vancouver Public Schools’ long-term and future needs for safety, technology, and building functionality.

Current & Projected VPS Tax Rates

*Rate assumptions hold E&O Levy rates consistent for longer-term modeling purposes, but that levy expires after 2027. The board may determine different E&O amounts for voters to consider, but not until 2027.

Tax rates are per $1,000 assessed property value. Future tax rates are estimates. Rates may fluctuate based on property valuations, but the district can only collect the amount approved by voters for each year.

Share your questions

Please take a minute to share any questions you may have about this replacement levy. We will use the questions we receive to build a FAQ list.

Learn more about our E&O levy

Frequently asked questions

We won’t be using these funds to build new schools. These funds will be used to update software, security systems and cameras, and for building maintenance and repairs over the next six years. We do not have a priority list at this time, but do know that each year different roofs develop leaks and different hvac systems need repairs. Over time, our security cameras experience damage or become so outdated they do not function at maximum efficiency. Similarly, technology continues to evolve at a speed we have not seen in the past. We know that this will likely mean we will need to purchase software and new devices in order to have the current tools and platforms that students will be expected to understand, and know how to use, in jobs and secondary education after graduating from high school. 

The planning for the last bond began in 2015 and had to be finished early before the February 2017 election. That bond helped improve our buildings a lot. Unlike levies, bonds can only be used to pay for big building projects that are decided on when the bond is approved. Back then, choices had to be made about which projects to fund. Since 2015, new repairs have come up that need attention.

COVID funds were only available and able to be spent during a short window of time. Some of our COVID funds were used for technology to support virtual learning and to improve air circulation, which helped fight the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of the money was spent on supports for students’ other increased needs caused by the pandemic. These COVID funds could not be used for general repairs or systems that didn’t directly help with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Yes, one of the projects we will address is updating door locks and front door security across the district.

The intent of this levy is not to invest in a completely new technology approach, but rather to replace or update current technology in place in the classroom as it becomes obsolete or in disrepair in the future. The funds are intended to replace devices students use as those we currently have stop working or become outdated. We do anticipate that some new software platforms will be needed as artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve.  We want to prepare students for post-graduation with tools that replicate systems and platforms they will be expected to use in the workforce and as they pursue higher education after graduation.

We have developed the rate with the intent of keeping the base tax rate consistent over time. Our bond rate will drop between 26 and 27 and this will allow the levy to increase to allow for our planned projects from these funds to come to fruition. Our plan is to attempt to delay some of these projects until year 3 of the levy to avoid an increase in the total VPS tax rate in 2026. 

The total local VPS tax rate in 2024 was $3.36 per $1,000 of assessed value. This was the sum of $1.99 for our education and operations levy, our bond was $1.09, and tech/capital projects levy was $0.28. Please see our bar chart for how each of these rates are anticipated to go up or down over the next six years. 

Levy funds may be used to fund a very small number of staff members who will be responsible for implementation and training of any new software or devices that are needed as technology evolves over the next six years.

This is not a new tax because the local community has been paying this tax since the original tech levy was approved in 2013 and collection began in 2014. This is a vote to renew a levy with the same purpose as the expiring levy. We are expanding what the levy funds may be used for, but are not intending to increase the total VPS tax rate the community will be paying.