Highline’s 2026 School Bond and Technology Levy: What Homeowners Should Know
Highline’s 2026 school bond and technology levy are separate proposals on the November 3 ballot. If both pass, the district projects a $210 annual increase in local school taxes for a home assessed at $500,000. That figure is an estimate based on the district’s projected rates.
For homeowners reviewing their budget or buyers comparing homes, the useful starting point is the property itself: its school district, assessed value, and current tax statement.
This guide explains the proposals and their conditional cost projections. For election returns, use King County Elections’ November results page.
Key takeaways
- Proposition 1 proposes a $595.4 million construction bond.
- Proposition 2 proposes a $48 million educational technology and capital improvements levy, collected over four years.
- Each measure stands on its own. Voters can approve one, both, or neither.
- Review your property’s records before using a district example in your housing budget.
See Highline’s official bond and levy FAQ for the district’s overview.
What is the difference between Highline’s bond and technology levy
The bond would finance major construction and facility work. The levy would fund technology and other capital improvements through annual property-tax collections.
Detail | Proposition 1 | Proposition 2 |
|---|---|---|
Proposal | School construction bond | Educational technology and capital improvements levy |
Amount | $595.4 million in bonds | $48 million total |
Time period | Bonds mature within 21 years | $12 million annually in 2027 through 2030 |
Main purpose | School replacements, renovations, and districtwide facility upgrades | Technology, infrastructure, support, and other capital improvements |
The bond amount is the proposed borrowing authorization. Repayment would come from annual excess property taxes sufficient to cover debt service. The levy authorizes annual collections rather than the same type of long-term borrowing.
The official Proposition 1 explanatory statement and Proposition 2 ballot information describe each authorization.
How much could local school taxes increase
Highline projects a combined local school-tax rate of $4.89 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2027 if both measures pass, compared with $4.47 in 2026.
That combined rate includes existing bonds and the operating levy. It is not a rate charged only for the two proposals.
The district’s $500,000 example uses this calculation:
$500,000 ÷ 1,000 × $0.42 = $210 annually, equivalent to $17.50 monthly.
This compares the projected combined rates while holding assessed value constant. It does not establish a particular homeowner’s year-to-year bill or the difference between approval and rejection of the measures.
The $210 figure is an increase, not the total school-tax payment. Actual rates depend on assessed values and the district’s taxable property base. The district’s cost information labels these figures as projections.
Which school projects would the bond fund
The proposal includes replacements for Sylvester and Cascade middle schools, a partial rebuild and modernization of Chinook Middle School, and work at the former Southern Heights Elementary site for CHOICE Academy.
It also includes design planning for Hilltop Elementary School and Valley View Early Learning Center, plus districtwide building-system, safety, and accessibility work.
Those distinctions matter. Funding design work for a school is different from funding its complete replacement. Likewise, Chinook’s proposal combines new construction with improvements to usable existing facilities.
The official bond explanatory statement sets out the project scope.
What would the technology levy pay for
The proposed levy covers more than student computers. Highline identifies cybersecurity, networks, devices, software, technical support, and staff training among its funding areas.
Its scope also includes building improvements. The district anticipates allocating $2 million of the first year’s $12 million to capital improvements. That is a 2027 spending projection, rather than a fixed allocation for every year of the levy.
For homeowners comparing the measures, this explains why both descriptions mention facilities. Their purposes overlap in places, but their authorizations and funding structures differ.
See the district’s technology levy breakdown.
Which homeowners should check these proposals
Start by confirming whether the property is within Highline School District No. 401.
Highline Public Schools serves communities including Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, SeaTac, and White Center. A community name alone is not enough to establish a specific parcel’s taxing district.
Use King County Parcel Viewer to search by address or parcel number. It links to the Assessor’s eReal Property report and the Districts and Development Conditions report.
Review these items together:
- School district: Confirm that the parcel is in Highline.
- Assessed value: Use the county’s assessed value rather than the asking price.
- Current tax statement: Identify existing charges before reviewing projected changes.
- Proposal status: Check each measure separately.
- Future budget: Keep projected taxes identified as estimates until the applicable rates and bill are available.
For broader context, our King County property-tax guide explains assessed values, taxing districts, and proposed county levies. County levies and school-district measures should be reviewed separately.
What buyers and sellers can do with this information
For buyers, add a property-tax review to the comparison you already make between mortgage payments, insurance, and other ownership costs. If taxes will be paid through escrow, ask your lender how a future tax change would be reflected in the payment estimate.
For sellers, keep the current tax statement available and distinguish it from estimates of future charges. If a buyer asks about the proposals, share the official district cost page and the parcel records.
A school project list can explain planned public investment. It does not provide a reliable dollar adjustment to a home’s asking price.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if only one measure passes
Each proposition is independent. The combined estimate assumes approval of both, so it should not be reused as the estimate for a one-measure outcome. Check updated district projections for that outcome.
Does the construction bond end after four years
No. The four-year collection period belongs to the technology levy. The bond authorization allows maturities within 21 years, according to the official explanatory statement.
What approval does each measure require
King County Elections lists a 60% majority and minimum turnout requirement of 40% of voters casting ballots in the last general election for the bond. The technology levy requires a simple majority.
Does a home outside Highline pay these district charges
These proposals authorize taxes within Highline School District. Confirm the property’s district through county records rather than assuming coverage from its mailing city.
Helpful resources
- Highline bond and levy overview
- District tax projections
- Official construction bond ballot information
- Official technology levy ballot information
- King County Parcel Viewer
- King County election results
Planning a move in South King County
A home’s ongoing expenses deserve attention alongside its price and features. Perkins & Associates | John L. Scott can help you organize the property information to review as you compare homes or prepare to sell.
Explore available homes or call 206-960-4985 to discuss your next move.
This article provides general information. For property-specific tax questions or exemption eligibility, contact the King County Department of Assessments.
