On October 9, the Olympia School Board had the first reading of the 2026 Technology, Safety, and Facility Improvement Levy. This levy will go before voters in February 2026, with collection of $72.9m over 6 years. The second reading of the levy is set to appear on the consent agenda for the October 23rd meeting.
Included in the proposed levy are:
- $30.1m focused on upgrades of instructional technology, including computers, smart screens, adaptive technology, and professional development for staff
- $9.4m would be used for safety and network infrastructure upgrades and training
- $6.3m is set aside for HVAC panels, sound/lighting upgrades at Olympia High School, lighting and turf replacement at Ingersoll field, and a partnership with the city that sets aside $2m for sidewalks around high traffic areas surrounding schools
- $27.1m would go towards software subscriptions and staff, including tech TOSAs and secondary teacher-librarians. Elementary teacher-librarians were not included.
Capital High School sophomore, Isaac Moore, spoke at the meeting in favor of the project, “I was hit by a car in February of last year. I have noticed tendencies this year of unsafe driving practices, by people around Capital. Some of those people are high schoolers. Some of those people are parents, and we should do more to educate those people.”
Director Seidel explained that at a spring 2025 board meeting with Marc Daily, former executive director from Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC), an agreement about how the district would make selections of projects, referencing the TRPC walking route maps and the City of Olympia’s Transportation Master Plan.
“The high quality, high-visibility crosswalks, which are a little bit more than the city can afford to do, need to be updated every 6 to 7 years. So, every other technology and safety levy, that part of that money will go for the high visibility crosswalks at every school campus, around the school. And we estimate that there’s enough left in the pot to do two additional smallish projects.”
I was hit by a car in February of last year. I have noticed tendencies this year of unsafe driving practices, by people around Capital.”
Capital High School sophomore, Issaac Moore
The near-range projects discussed were near Reeves Middle School and Roosevelt Elementary School on the Eastside, and near Thurgood Marshall Middle School and Hansen Elementary School on the Westside. Long-range projects include the areas surrounding Capital High School and Jefferson Middle School, as well as Olympia High School and Pioneer Elementary School.
The proposed levy will need a simple majority in the February election to pass. The actual tax rate that would replace the previous levy is estimated to be $0.96 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Much of the levy funds replace the previous $52.4m levy from 2022-23, but a 39% increase in the ask is tied to inflation, subscription model pricing, and new projects, like Ingersoll Stadium upgrades and vape sensors at the comprehensive high schools.