February 10, 2026 FUND OUR SCHOOLS

The Riverview Schools Committee is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization made up of parents, educators, and community volunteers. Our mission is to advocate for the passage of Riverview School District levies and bonds by sharing factual information, promoting community engagement, and supporting strong public schools.

Washington is required to fully fund “basic education” based on a funding distribution formula referred to as the “prototypical model.” This model represents the Legislature’s assumptions about the costs associated with providing a “basic education” to student seedlings. Sadly, the money provided by the state for schools does not cover the actual cost of operating, constructing, and maintaining a school district. Local community funding measures, called levies and bonds, fill the gap between state funds and the real cost of providing the structures and services that help students grow and thrive.

Per the Public Disclosure Committee, school districts "may develop an objective and fair presentation of the facts regarding district needs and the anticipated impact of a ballot measure, and may distribute it in the district's customary manner." But school districts cannot ask the community to vote yes, and they cannot use emotion to convey ballot needs. That's why the RSC's main role is to advocate for the passage of district levies and bonds.

Voters will consider:

1. Educational Programs & Operations Levy (renewal) — Funds teachers, support staff, extracurricular programs, curriculum, safety, transportation, and services not fully funded by the state.

2. Technology & Capital Projects Levy (renewal) — Supports building maintenance, classroom technology, safety systems, and day-to-day operational needs in school buildings.

3. Capital Bond — Replaces aging facilities, improves safety, and funds major construction projects such as modernization, HVAC replacements, and new learning spaces.

No. Both levies are renewals of measures that voters approved in 2022 and are set to expire at the end of 2026. Renewing them allows the district to maintain staffing and programs.

Yes. Bonds are used for large, long-term facility projects, similar to taking out a mortgage for a home. The bond will fund major construction needs identified by the district and supported by community feedback.

According to the Riverview School District, the estimated total tax rate increase in 2027 is $1.00 per $1,000 of assessed value. This reflects the combined impact of the renewed levies and the proposed capital bond.

Without levy funding, the district would face significant reductions to:

• Teaching and support staff
• Arts, music, athletics, and extracurricular programs
• Technology access
• Safety and transportation services

These programs are essential to student learning and are not fully funded by the state.

A failed bond delays the replacement of aging buildings, safety improvements, and necessary repairs. Older facilities become more costly to maintain and may not adequately support current educational needs.

The District established a Capital Asset Committee in 2023 to develop a comprehensive long-term facility plan. This independent committee, facilitated by an external consulting firm, consisted exclusively of community stakeholders. Their assessment and recommendations were subsequently presented to a 40-member Bond Committee, which included a diverse representation of community members, district administrators, students, school principals, and two board members. After thorough review and deliberation, the Bond Committee presented their final recommendations to the Board of Education for consideration.

Tolt was originally built in 1910, and its aging systems such as HVAC and electrical are beyond repair and too costly to upgrade and maintain. In addition, the school's "California Style" open campus is not suited for today's safety standards.

These measures ensure Riverview students have:

• Safe, modern learning environments
• High-quality teachers and support staff
• Programs that enrich learning and future readiness
• Reliable technology and infrastructure

Strong schools also support strong property values and vibrant communities.

Even after the McCleary decision, school levies and bonds are still needed because the state's definition of "basic education" is not the same as the actual cost of running a school district, and the state does not fully fund capital projects like buildings. Levies and bonds are local measures that bridge this gap by providing additional funding for programs, services, facilities, and staff that go beyond the state's definition of a basic education. Additionally, the WA State Supreme Court has ruled that local communities are responsible for the upkeep and construction of their schools.

• Attend informational meetings and community presentations
• Volunteer with the Riverview Schools Committee
• Share verified information with friends and neighbors
• Vote in the February 10, 2026 special election
• Follow the campaign on social media and stay informed

Visit the Riverview School District’s official Bond & Levy information page at RSD407.org/BondLevy.