Dear Editor,

On February 10, 2026, voters in the San Juan Island School District will be asked to renew the four-year Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy. The San Juan Public Schools Foundation strongly encourages our community to vote YES.

This levy is not a new tax. It is a renewal of existing funding, and the amount requested will not exceed what voters approved in 2022. While the State of Washington provides basic education funding, those funds do not cover the full cost of running our schools or maintaining the programs our students depend on. The EP&O Levy fills that gap, accounting for approximately 17.25% of the district’s $17.5 million annual budget.
Local levy dollars support the heart of our schools. They help maintain small class sizes so teachers can give students the attention they deserve. They fund essential staff, including school counselors and the school nurse, who support student well-being. Levy funding sustains critical programs such as music, drama, art, STEM, and Advanced Placement courses that prepare students for future success.

The levy also pays for extra academic support, including summer school, after-school programs, and special education services. It helps keep our schools safe, clean, and welcoming by covering custodial and maintenance costs. In addition, it supports healthy meals, English Language Learner services, and alternative learning options.

Without renewal of this levy, the district would face cuts of more than $3 million, directly impacting students and staff.

Our schools are a shared community investment. On February 10, please vote YES for our schools and our future.

Sincerely,
San Juan Public Schools Foundation (Ashley Bashaw, Floyd Bourne, Stephanie
Buffum, Katie Fleming, Melanie Hess, Katy Taylor Jacobson, Darla Jungmeyer,