PASCO, Wash. – Residents of Pasco will soon cast their votes on a significant school levy appearing on the February 9 ballot. Pasco School District leaders emphasize that this is a replacement levy, not a new tax, crucial for funding programs not fully covered by the state.
The 2026 levy is designed to replace the district’s current levy, expiring at the end of next year. If passed, it will fund school operations from 2027 through 2030, covering essential areas such as maintaining class sizes, extracurricular activities, and school safety. This levy accounts for about 10 percent of the district’s overall budget.
Joey Castilleja, Executive Director of Fiscal Services for Pasco School District #1, highlighted the community’s role in supporting local schools. “In order to fund all of those things that we value as a community in our schools, activities, athletics, afterschool programs, additional transportation, things of that nature, it requires additional support from the local taxpayers,” Castilleja said.
District leaders warn that without voter approval, the district could face significant budget cuts and miss out on additional state funding linked to the levy’s passage.
If approved, the levy would also enable Pasco schools to receive millions of dollars in state assistance in addition to local tax revenue.
