FAQ’s are intended for informational purposes only. Updates will be made as feedback and questions are received.
ABOUT THE CAPITAL FACILITIES LEVY
The proposed measure is a four-year capital levy focused on maintaining and improving the buildings that the district already owns, increasing safety, and adding permanent classroom space.
The district is responsible for over $250 million of community-owned facilities. Like our homes, there are facility needs that must be addressed to maintain safe and functional schools. After several capital bond proposals did not receive the required voter approval, the Board of Directors determined that a focused capital levy addressing essential facility needs is good stewardship of community assets.
Capital levies fund facility improvements such as building upgrades, safety systems, maintenance projects, and technology infrastructure that support school operations and learning environments.
Capital levies fund facility improvements such as building upgrades, safety systems, maintenance projects, and technology infrastructure that support school operations and learning environments.
Capital levies require approval by a simple majority of voters (50 percent plus one vote).
In Washington State, school funding is built on a state + local levy model. The state provides funding for what it defines as ‘basic education.’ However, that funding does not fully cover the actual cost of operating schools nor funds for capitalized assets. Because of this, school districts across Washington State are expected to run local levies and bonds. A partnership with voters within school district attendance boundaries is how the public school funding system is structured.
The State funds that come to schools generated through the prototypical funding model are intended to support academic programs in service of students in the year the funds are received. Also, a large portion of state and federal funding is legally restricted and must be spent on specific programs or specific groups of students. For example, funding for Bilingual/Multilingual programs, Special Education, Learning Assistance Programs (LAP), Career & Technical Education (CTE), and other state or federal grants can only be used for those designated services. Those dollars cannot be redirected to use elsewhere.
PROJECTS AND IMPROVEMENTS
If approved, the levy funds be used to expand and improve Bernice Vossbeck Elementary and Isom Elementary, purchase a permanent facility for Lynden Academy, complete safety and maintenance upgrades across district facilities which would include Lynden High School, the transportation garage, and facilities used by the community such as Judson Hall and the gymnasiums on Main Street.
The project would expand permanent classroom space for approximately 120 more students, a full roof replacement, and parking lot expansion/improvements. These projects would allow the district to continue using the existing school well into the future.
The project would expand permanent classroom space for approximately 100-120 more students and upgrade the aging heating and ventilation system. Addressing capacity and aging infrastructure will allow the school to remain viable well beyond 2060.
Lynden Academy serves more than 430 students and currently operates in a leased facility that was not designed for daily school use. Securing a permanent district-owned facility would improve learning conditions, increase safety, and provide long-term stability for the program while reducing ongoing lease costs.
Projects include security camera and access control upgrades to meet current school safety best practices at all facilities serving students, 100% exterior surveillance coverage, and perimeter fencing and gates upgrades to improve access control.
These projects are included with the District’s master facilities plan. If the levy does not pass, maintenance and expansion projects to public facilities provided by and paid for by the citizens who came before us would continue to be deferred.
The levy would support a planned replacement schedule for student devices, teacher devices, and classroom technology. Establishing a regular replacement cycle on capitalized assets helps avoid large one-time costs and reduces pressure on the district’s operating budget. Adequate state funds are not provided to support technology in public schools.
Maintaining school facilities protects community-owned public assets and helps ensure schools remain safe, functional, and effective learning environments for current and future students.
COST AND TIMELINE
If approved, the levy would collect $6.375 million per year for four years beginning in 2027. The total amount collected would be $25.5 million and does not change as home values change.
The estimated tax rate is approximately $1.09 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
The levy would collect funds for four years, beginning in 2027 and expiring at the end of 2030.
Yes. This measure represents a proposed capital levy to address facility needs and maintain existing district buildings. Voters ultimately decide whether to approve the measure.
LONG-TERM PLANNING
Current planning includes a capital levy in 2026 to address essential facility needs, replacement of the EP&O levy in 2028 to maintain educational programs, and potential consideration of a capital bond in 2030 to address Lynden High School and performing arts space needs.
No. Replacing Lynden High School remains a priority for the district but will require a separate capital bond proposal in the future.
The decision will be made by voters in the Lynden School District during the April election.