Opinion urges no vote on Spokane Public Schools levy

Russell Neff is urging voters to reject the Spokane Public Schools levy, framing the decision as a chance to ease pressure on households facing higher grocery, housing, insurance and utility costs. He notes that Fifty-six percent of Spokane children receive school food assistance and argues that families could benefit from keeping more of their income.

The proposal would collect $2.50 for every $1,000 in assessed property value, the highest rate permitted. Neff calculates that a home valued at $400,000 would carry an annual cost of roughly $1,000. He also points to a city sales-tax increase set to start in January 2027. Based on his discussions with the district’s financial officer, Neff says about 97% of the levy money collected in 2025 paid for added compensation and benefits outside state funding. Applying that share to the proposed $333 million renewal would direct about $323 million to those costs, he argues.

Neff says the district has recently eliminated more than 200 jobs and should further separate essential positions from optional staffing and programs. He cites figures showing about 40% of students below math standards, 32% below English standards and nearly one-third chronically absent. If voters reject the levy, he says state support for basic education would continue, along with sports, bands and theatre, although some supplemental jobs or programs could be reduced.