On February 11, 2025, Onalaska School District is asking voters to consider a three-year replacement educational programs and operations (EP&O) levy to sustain quality educational opportunities for all Onalaska School District students. Our students deserve access to the same staffing and support that students in larger districts receive. If approved by voters, the levy would fund:

• Extracurricular activities for  active and engaged students 

• Health and counseling services for our students’ physical and mental well-being

• Transportation for efficient and safe commutes

• Technology and equipment for modern learning tools and resources

• Music and enrichment programs for our students to explore their talents and passions

• Special education for inclusive learning opportunities

• Maintenance for welcoming and clean schools and facilities

• Preschool for our youngest learners to grow and thrive

• Security for safe and secure schools and environments

What will this cost?

The estimated rate for the replacement levy is $1.25 per $1,000 of assessed value.

For example, if you own property with an assessed value of:

• $400,000 you’d pay $41.67 per month

• $500,000 you’d pay $52.08 per month

• $600,000 you’d pay $62.50 per month

Remember, this is a replacement levy. The calculation is the estimated total cost to property owners, not an additional tax.

Actual year-to-year levy rates will be based on the total assessed property value across Onalaska School District. We can only collect the total funds approved by voters. If property values rise, the rate per $1,000 of assessed property value will drop.

Did you know?

• Our district’s assessed property values have consistently exceeded projections, resulting in the actual tax rate per $1,000 being lower than originally estimated each year.

• Onalaska tax levy rates are the 2nd lowest in Lewis County and ranked 268 out of 295 in the state when comparing tax rates.

What are your current revenue streams? How will this money be spent?

Levy dollars generate revenue to fund programs and services that are not paid as part of "basic education". For Onalaska School District, these dollars are used for the following:

• Curriculum & Instruction : substitute costs, updated curriculum, STEAM opportunities, special education services, behavior supports and additional FTE beyond what is funded in the prototypical school funding model.

• Technology Initiatives: one to one chromebook initiative, instructional technology in classrooms, updated network and technology staff beyond what is funded in the prototypical school funding model.

• Health & Counseling: nursing staff, mental health and academic counseling supports, and health supplies beyond what is funded in the prototypical school funding model.

• Extracurricular Activities: 100% funded by levy dollars including coaching staff, athletics supplies, facilities and transportation.

• Music Enrichment: 100% funded by levy dollars, grants, and other local funding sources. Instructional staff, supplies and transportation.

• Safety & Security: 100% funded by levy dollars and grants. Cameras, door hardware, school safety and security staff and training for all our staff to best keep our students safe.

• Buildings & Facilities: staff, building maintenance and upgrades, and insurance and utilities costs beyond what is funded in the school funding model

This levy amount was determined after taking into account collections in prior years that either remained static or did not increase enough to account for rising costs in underfunded areas.  As well, the team examined levy tax rates across the state and found that our tax rate was the 2nd lowest in our county and ranked 268 out of 295 in the state. District costs have increased in all areas. To name a few:

• District Property Insurance costs have increased by over $215,000 since the last levy was approved.

• The district was underfunded in utilities and insurance costs by $343,000 in 2023-2024.

• From 2020/2021 when the last levy was set, the district went from receiving $265,000 in Local Effort Assistance (LEA) dollars to receiving $0 LEA in 2023/2024 based on our assessed values.

Want more information? Call the District Office at 360-978-4111 or email bpadgett@onysd.wednet.edu.