Peninsula School District Levy Community Forum - January 20, 2026

The Peninsula School District 401 held a community forum on January 20, 2026, to discuss the upcoming replacement educational programs and operations levy on the February 10 ballot. The levy, representing about 17% of the district's budget, is critical for funding essential programs not fully covered by the state, including athletics, arts, school safety officers, nurses, counselors, technology specialists, and early childhood education. The district highlighted the need to bridge the funding gap due to insufficient state contributions, emphasizing that local levies are necessary to maintain current staffing levels, curriculum updates, facility maintenance, and program expansions such as an orchestra and transition to kindergarten programs. The estimated levy rate is $130 per thousand of assessed value, contributing to a total local school tax rate of approximately $1.99 per thousand. The district also outlined proposed investments in staffing, facility upkeep, and program enhancements supported by the levy. Detailed levy spending plans and additional information are available on the district's website.