The Bainbridge Island school board recently approved the renewal of its Enrichment Programs and Operations levy along with its Technology levy, which will be voted on during the Feb. 13 special election.

Both levies require a simple majority to pass (51%).

BI’s current EP&O levy expires at the end of 2024. It pays for essential elements of its schools, including teachers and support staff; special education, remedial reading, and math programs; enrichment for student learning such as art, music, STEM, and electives; instructional materials such as books, subscriptions, and consumables; along with utilities, maintenance, and transportation.

If the new four-year levy passes, it would collect $11.9 million in 2025, $12.25 million in 2026, $12.6 million in 2027 and $12.95 million in 2028. The proposed tax rates for each year would be $0.85 per $1,000 of assessed value.

The current Technology levy also expires at the end of 2024. The funding supports student devices used in the classrooms and at home (Chromebooks and iPads); classroom technology; data services for students; library technologies; education technology; cyber-security and cyber-safety services; professional development related to technology; and internet-related services (phone, wide area network, public wifi, etc.).

If the new four-year levy passes, it would collect $4 million a year through 2028. The proposed tax rates for each year would be $0.29 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2025, $0.28 in 2026, $0.27 in 2027 and $0.26 in 2028.