Election Day Feb 10 2026

Darrington School District Special Election

By now all ballots are in the mail or ballot drop box, and we will have had an orderly, normal, efficient election for a community ballot measure that affects the town of Darrington. Support for schools is widespread, and I assume the school levy will pass as this community cares about children, parents, and families. In this unique district in this small mountain town, 465 students were enrolled for the 2025-26 school year, about fifty more than were enrolled five years ago. More families are here, with more children, the district is growing, however slowly. With a population of about 1500, that means almost a third of the population are school age kids. You can find this data and other interesting information on how Darrington schools compare to others in the state at the Washington State Office of Public Instruction:

https://reportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us/ReportCard/ViewSchoolOrDistrict/100064

Much information has been provided as to why we should support our Darrington School District led by our superintendant Tracy Franke and her very capable staff of teachers, para-educators, heath care staff, administrators, as well as the hard-working school board, parents, and other community members.

I am sure all are looking forward to the continuing benefits which this levy provides. Its not a new levy, but a continuation of how the district must raise funds to supplement what already comes to Darrington from federal and state governments. Voting yes on for schools here does not greatly expand what the district is already providing, but continues funding at about the same level as approved by voters fours years ago in 2022. This vote covers funding for the next four years, so you won't be asked to vote for schools again until 2030 or later.

Levy Provides Fifteen Local Jobs

• More teaching staff to reduce class sizes

• New Band program

• Groundskeeper Full time

• Informational Technology (IT) staff

• Another school counselor

• A Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA)
  to provide behavioral help for students

Where School Money Comes From in 2026

The school district website currently has information on the the 2026 levy and how school funding works. Its important to note that most, eighty percent, of our school funds come from Washington state monies. Nine percent is federal, while eleven percent is provided by local property taxes.
https://www.darringtonschools.org/

We all Benefit when Families Benefit

People without children, older folks who have raised their kids and are tired of paying taxes, people who have some complaint about what the school district is doing or is not doing – some may be asking why should I be taxed for schools?

The answer of course is that children, all children, our own, our neighbors and the kid growing up in some town we've never heard of – in a few years, these kids will be the adults who take care of business, adults who learned to read and how to do things at public school. Raising children is one of the most important jobs, parents and teachers and their supporters need all the help and support they can get.

If you are a senior with certain income limitations or a person with disabilities, you can apply for an exemption from paying your full property tax. Our state also has property tax relief for homeowners with limited income.

Property Tax Deferral for Senior Citizens
and People with Disabilities

Property tax relief program for
homeowners with limited income