2025 Highline Levy
On July 2, the Highline School Board unanimously voted to place a local funding measure on the November 2025 ballot. If approved by voters, the levy would renew local funding for educational programs, services and staff — filling the gap between what the state provides and what is needed to fund basic educational programs, services and staff.
This is not a new tax. It renews an expiring local levy. This measure renews the existing levy that is set to expire at the end of 2026.
"The state continues to underfund services for students, and this levy fills the gap between what the state provides and what our students need,” said Chief Financial Officer Jackie Bryan.
The levy makes up about 15% of Highline’s operating budget.
What the Levy Would Fund
The levy fills the gap between what the state provides and what is needed to support all Highline students. If approved, it would fund:
- Support for All Learners: Staff and resources that help meet the diverse learning needs of students, including those who need additional support to succeed in general education classrooms.
- College and Career Readiness: Staff and programs that support students in exploring post-secondary options, including career fairs, job shadowing, apprenticeships, and college planning.
- Student Well-Being: Counselors, mental health staff, and social workers who provide support for students’ mental and emotional health.
- Staffing and Compensation: Competitive wages for teachers, paraeducators and support staff.
- Operational Costs: Operating costs such as materials, supplies, utilities, insurance and facility maintenance.
- Technology and Cybersecurity: Classroom technology, software, and cybersecurity systems to support digital learning and protect school data.
Learn more about what is funded by the proposed levy.
Cost Information
Tax rates are expected to remain stable — with an adjustment each year to keep up with inflation. The proposed rate starts at $2.07 per $1,000 of assessed property value in 2027 and rises slightly each year, reaching $2.11 in 2030. This adjustment helps maintain current service levels in the face of rising costs.
If approved, the levy would generate a maximum amount of approximately $333.9 million over four years. The proposed levy amounts per year are based on high enrollment projections throughout the 2027-30 school years.
“We use high projections to ensure we are authorized to collect enough funding to serve all potential students who may enroll,” said Chief Financial Officer Jackie Bryan. “In recent years, our actual enrollment has been closer to the medium projection, which means we often collect less than the maximum approved.”
Actual collections from 2027 to 2030 will depend on the number of students enrolled each year.
Learn more cost information, including a breakdown of collection amounts.
Ballot Information
The levy will appear on the November 4, 2025, ballot. All registered voters in the Highline School District will have the opportunity to vote on the measure. Learn more about ballot and voter information.
Have Questions?
More information will be shared with families, community members and staff leading up to the election.
Review our frequently asked questions to learn more about the levy.
If you have further questions, please contact the Communications Office at 206-631-3002 or email communication@highlineschools.org.