On February 10, 2026, Onalaska School District is asking voters to consider a four-year replacement educational programs and operations (EP&O) levy to sustain quality educational opportunities for all Onalaska School District students. If approved by voters, the levy would fund items not funded and/or underfunded by state and federal dollars:

• Extracurricular activities for  active and engaged students 

• Health and counseling services for our students’ physical and mental well-being

• Transportation for efficient and safe commutes

• Technology and equipment for modern learning tools and resources

• Music and enrichment programs for our students to explore their talents and passions

• Maintenance for welcoming and clean schools and facilities

• Security for safe and secure schools and environments

• Smaller Class Sizes to provide a more effective learning environment

• Advanced Course Access to provide more opportunities for kids

How is this levy different from the initiative that did not pass in 2025?

The district listened closely to voter feedback following the levy failures. In response, and thanks to the cost-saving measures put into place immediately that will continue into future years, the district has prepared a new ballot measure for February 2026. This proposal will be set at a reduced amount, reflecting both the district’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and the community’s expressed concerns.

The Onalaska School District remains dedicated to transparency, stewardship of public funds, and maintaining strong educational opportunities for every student.

What the Levy Funds

Levy dollars support the programs and services our students rely on every single day. Here are some of the areas directly impacted:

• Teaching & Learning Supports

  • Classroom materials

  • Updated curriculum

• Student Programs

  • Athletics

  • Clubs & activities

  • Music and Arts programs

  • After-school opportunities

• School Safety & Operations

  • School security

  • Healthy and safe learning environments

  • Transportation support

  • Technology maintenance

• Staff That Support Students

  • Counselors

  • Office Staff

  • Specialists

  • Paras

  • Intervention Staff (reading and math and behavior supports)

Why This Levy Matters

Onalaska is a community that takes pride in lifting its kids up. Levy funding keeps the opportunities strong, safe, and steady for every student -- from kindergarten to graduation

This isn't "extra."

It's the essentials that make a quality education possible.

Election Information

Election Day: Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Ballots Mailed: Approximately three weeks before the election

Ballot Drop Box: District Office parking lot

Need to Register to Vote? Lewis County Voter Registration

What will this cost?

The estimated rate for the replacement levy is $0.95 per $1,000 of assessed value.

For example, if you own property with an assessed value of:

• $250,000 you’d pay $19.79 per month

• $350,000 you’d pay $27.71 per month

• $450,000 you’d pay $35.62 per month

Remember, this levy replaces the levy expiring in 2025 . The calculation is the estimated total cost to property owners, not an additional tax.

Actual year-to-year levy rates will be based on the total assessed property value across Onalaska School District. We can only collect the total funds approved by voters. If property values rise, the rate per $1,000 of assessed property value will drop.

Did you know?

• Our district’s assessed property values have consistently exceeded projections, resulting in the actual tax rate per $1,000 being lower than originally estimated each year.

• Onalaska tax levy rates are the 2nd lowest in Lewis County and ranked 268 out of 295 in the state when comparing tax rates.

What are your current revenue streams? How will this money be spent?

Levy dollars generate revenue to fund programs and services that are not covered under "basic education." For Onalaska School District, these dollars are used for the following:

• Curriculum & Instruction : substitute costs, updated curriculum, STEAM opportunities, special education services, behavior supports, and additional FTE beyond what is funded in the prototypical school funding model.

• Technology Initiatives: one to one Chromebook initiative, instructional technology in classrooms, updated network and technology staff beyond what is funded in the prototypical school funding model.

• Health & Counseling: nursing staff, mental health and academic counseling supports, and health supplies beyond what is funded in the prototypical school funding model.

• Extracurricular Activities: 100% funded by levy dollars including coaching staff, athletics supplies, facilities and transportation.

• Music Enrichment: 100% funded by levy dollars, grants, and other local funding sources. Instructional staff, supplies and transportation.

• Safety & Security: 100% funded by levy dollars and grants. Cameras, door hardware, school safety and security staff, and training for all our staff to best keep our students safe.

• Buildings & Facilities: Staff, building maintenance and upgrades, and insurance and utility costs beyond what is funded by the school funding model.

This levy amount was determined after taking into account collections in prior years that either remained static or did not increase enough to account for rising costs in underfunded areas.  As well, the team examined levy tax rates across the state, and found that our tax rate was the 2nd lowest in our county and ranked 272 out of 295 in the state. District costs have increased in all areas. To name a few:

• District Property Insurance costs have increased by over $215,000 since the last levy was approved.

• The district was underfunded in utilities and insurance costs by $343,000 in 2023-2024.

• From 2020/2021 when the last levy was set, the district went from receiving $265,000 in Local Effort Assistance (LEA) dollars to receiving $0 LEA in 2023/2024 based on our assessed values.

Want more information? Call the District Office at 360-978-4111 or email bpadgett@onysd.wednet.edu.