Levies

A voter-approved Educational Programs & Operations Levy (EP&) is put before Mercer Island voters on a four-year cycle and a voter-approved Capital and Technology Levy (Cap/Tech) is put before Mercer Island voters on a six-year cycle.

MISD collects a total amount for the duration of the levy.

The EP&O Levy and the Cap/Tech Levy make up 26% of MISD's funding. 

A levy is a short-term, local property tax passed by the voters of a school district that generates revenue for the district to fund programs and services that the state does not fund or fully fund as part of “basic education.”

The District has used Cap/Tech levy dollars to complete a number of projects over the years. Cap/Tech dollars available for facilities can accomplish small projects such as boiler replacements, roofs, secure vestibules, but they are not enough to provide a significant renovation or replacement of a building. 

A bond provides funding for capital projects such as purchasing property for schools, constructing new schools, or modernizing existing schools. Bonds are sold to investors who are repaid with interest over time from property tax collections, generally between 10-25 years. Bonds require a super majority of 60% to pass. Learn more about MISD bonds on our Bond Page.

Visit Bonds & Levies: The Seeds of School Funding website which provides more information on bonds and levies.