In mid-January 2026, mail-in ballots are scheduled to be sent to all voting residents of San Juan Island, requesting a renewal of the Educational Programs and Operations levy. I would like to emphasize that this is not a new levy; it is a renewal of an existing levy. The EP&O levy must be voted on and approved every four years. Again, this is not a request for new funding.

San Juan Island voters have expressed their continued support towards public education by voting for the EP&O levy for more than 20 years. Clearly, public education is an important and vital part of our community. The revenue generated by the EP&O levy constitutes approximately 17.25 percent of our annual budget, money that covers the differences between the real costs incurred in our operations and what the state actually funds.

The EP&O levy provides funding for programs and services not fully supported by our state, including: STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) programs and its specialized teachers, counseling, food services, Advanced Placement (AP) classes, Special Education, summer school, after-school study sessions, para-educators, office staff, custodial and general building maintenance.

Additional information on the EP&O levy is available on our district website: https://www.sjisd.wednet.edu

On behalf of the entire school board, we are asking for your support on the upcoming February 10, 2026, election to renew our EP&O levy. Thank you for your continued support of public education.

TJ Heller

San Juan Island School District #149

Board Chair/Legislative Representative