Bonds & Levies

We are able to offer programs beyond the basic educational experience in our schools thanks to the generous support of our community. Voters have consistently approved bonds that maintain, enhance and build schools as well as levies that pay for services and needs in our schools not funded by state education dollars.

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Bond and Levy Approval Rates

Thank you to our community for your long-standing support of Richland School District bonds and levies!

Levies take a simple majority (50% +1) to pass, while bonds take a super majority (60%) to pass.

Bond Levy Approval Rates

 

Funding

Cynthia Robinette
Assistant Director, Finance
509-967-6005
Cynthia.Robinette@rsd.edu
 

Building

Caren Johnson
Director of Capital Projects
509-967-6139
Caren.Johnson@rsd.edu

Understanding Bonds and Levies

Educational Programs & Operation Levies

  • Flexible revenue from local taxpayers to supplement basic education, athletics, arts programs, extracurricular activities, etc.
  • Subject to levy lid laws: $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed home value.
  • Up to four years collection
  • Passes with simple majority (50% + 1)

Capital Projects Levies

  • Common uses are technology (Tech Levy), safety/security projects, athletic fields, minor school repairs (i.e. roofs, HVAC), parking, etc.
  • Subject to levy lid laws: $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed home value.
  • Up to six years collection
  • Passes with simple majority (50% + 1)

School Bonds

  • Bonds are for building (new construction and renovations)
  • Up to 40 years until final maturity, however a 20-25 year bond is most common
  • Passes with super majority (60%) - Washington is one of 7 states that require a super majority for bonds to pass.