What does a YES vote on Spokane School District No. 81 Proposition No. 1 mean?

Spokane Public Schools would levy an estimated $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2028-2030 ($107,000,000 rising to $115,000,000 a year), replacing an expiring levy, for programs not funded by the State.

What does a NO vote on Spokane School District No. 81 Proposition No. 1 mean?

Spokane Public Schools would not levy this replacement tax.

How many votes does Spokane School District No. 81 Proposition No. 1 need to pass?

A simple majority: more than half of the YES and NO votes on this measure must be YES. Leaving it blank doesn't count either way.

Should I vote yes or no on Spokane School District No. 81 Proposition No. 1?

SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Read what a YES and a NO vote each do, and the official text, then decide based on what you want to happen.

The general election was Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Counts are unofficial until each state certifies its results over the following weeks; your state or county election office has the official results.

Spokane School District No. 81 Proposition No. 1 — Replacement of Expiring Educational Programs and Operation Levy

Last updated Sat, Nov 7, 4:33 PM ET

Ballot measure · November 3, 2026 · Spokane School District school district voters

What it does: Proposition No. 1 Spokane School District No. 81 (Spokane Public Schools) Replacement of Expiring Educational Programs and Operation Levy The Board of Directors of Spokane School District No. 81 adopted Resolution No. 2026-11, concerning a proposition to fund educational programs and operation expenses. This proposition would authorize the District to levy the following excess taxes, replacing an expiring levy, on all taxable property within the District, for educational programs and operation expenses not funded by the State (including class size, advanced courses, special education, nurses, counselors, technology support, safety staff, music, athletics, and extracurricular activities): Collection Year Estimated Levy Rate/ $1,000 Assessed Value Levy Amount 2028 $2.50 $107,000,000 2029 $2.50 $ 111,000,000 2030 $2.50 $ 115,000,000 all as provided in Resolution No. 2026-11. Should this proposition be approved?
A YES vote means: Spokane Public Schools would levy an estimated $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2028-2030 ($107,000,000 rising to $115,000,000 a year), replacing an expiring levy, for programs not funded by the State.
A NO vote means: Spokane Public Schools would not levy this replacement tax.
Needed to pass: A simple majority: more than half of the YES and NO votes on this measure must be YES. Leaving it blank doesn't count either way.
Left–right lean: Unclear: our AI read of the official summary isn't confident enough (we require 70%) to place this on the left–right spectrum, so we don't. Read the summary and decide for yourself.

The YES and NO lines are SpectrumVote's plain-language reading of the official text above; the official text is what you vote on.

Official text: source

Only on your ballot if you live in the Spokane School District No. 81.

Background

According to Spokane Public Schools, the measure would replace the EP&O levy that voters approved in February 2024, which funds the 2025, 2026 and 2027 budget years. The replacement would be collected in 2028–2030.

The district says the EP&O levy funds about 15% of its budget. It lists academics (smaller class sizes, AP and highly capable services), activities and athletics, and services such as counselors, nurses and special education.

The district says state law limits EP&O levies to four years at most, and that it typically runs three-year levies.

The district says 4.8% of its annual operating budget goes to central administration.

Put on the ballot by Spokane School District No. 81 Board of Directors, June 17, 2026 (Resolution No. 2026-11).

From official source.

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Quick answers

What does a YES vote on Spokane School District No. 81 Proposition No. 1 mean?: Spokane Public Schools would levy an estimated $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2028-2030 ($107,000,000 rising to $115,000,000 a year), replacing an expiring levy, for programs not funded by the State.
What does a NO vote on Spokane School District No. 81 Proposition No. 1 mean?: Spokane Public Schools would not levy this replacement tax.
How many votes does Spokane School District No. 81 Proposition No. 1 need to pass?: A simple majority: more than half of the YES and NO votes on this measure must be YES. Leaving it blank doesn't count either way.
Should I vote yes or no on Spokane School District No. 81 Proposition No. 1?: SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Read what a YES and a NO vote each do, and the official text, then decide based on what you want to happen.
When is the vote?: The general election was Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Counts are unofficial until each state certifies its results over the following weeks; your state or county election office has the official results.

Not sure how to decide? Read our nonpartisan guide to the Spokane County ballot.

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