Why does the District need a levy?
Inadequate state and federal funding, rising costs, and unfunded mandates have created a budget crisis for schools across the state. Canby School District has already cut 11% of its budget in the 2025-26 school year. These reductions impacted staffing numbers, class sizes, and a 50% reduction to art and music programs in grades K-6.
The district projects a $6.3 million budget deficit for the 2026-27 school year. Without the proposed levy, the district faces eliminating up to 60 additional positions, increasing class sizes by at least five students across all grade levels, blending classrooms, and cutting or eliminating career and technical/vocational education, music, art, school counseling and reading supports. There would also be across the board cuts to athletic programs and extracurriculars at both middle and high school.
What is the difference between a bond and a levy?
Bonds are for buildings and levies are for learning. A bond pays for capital construction projects and infrastructure such as buildings, maintenance, technology and curriculum. A local option levy pays for the day-to-day operations of school districts. This includes funding the cost of employing teachers and educational staff.
How much money will the proposed levy raise for the District?
The levy, if passed, is expected to raise $5.9 million annually in funding for five years.
What will the funds from the proposed levy be spent on?
If passed, the levy would help the district:
- Preserve critical teaching and educational support positions
- Maintain reasonable class sizes and limit blended classrooms
- Sustain programs such as Career and Technical/Vocational education; AP and Dual Credit Program; Counseling and Nursing Supports; Elementary Reading Supports; Music and Arts; and Athletics and Extracurricular Offerings
If the levy passes, how will this affect the Reductions in Force (RIF)?
If the voters approve the May 2026 levy, it would generate $5.9 million of the district’s $6.3 million deficit, allowing us to restore many, but not all, of the reductions for the coming 2026-27 school year. The district will not expand existing positions and if student enrollment declines, the district will adjust the number of full time employees in order to maintain a supportive, yet lean staffing model for our schools.
When will the District receive the funds from the proposed levy, if passed?
If passed, the District would begin receiving levy funds as soon as the 2026-27 school year.
How much would the proposed levy cost property owners?
If passed, the proposed Canby Schools Levy would raise approximately $5.9 million at a rate estimated not to exceed $1.50 per $1,000 of taxable assessed value within the district for five years. For example, a property owner in the Canby School District with a median assessed value of $285,361 (which is different from real market value/Zillow) would pay approximately $35.67 per month.
How long will the proposed levy last?
The proposed levy on the May 2026 ballot has a five-year period if approved, and would take effect in the 2026-27 school year. Voter approval prior to the 2031-32 school year would be required for levy renewal at the end of the five-year period.
What accountability measures will be in place to ensure levy funds are used appropriately and managed correctly by the District?
If the proposed levy passes, funds will be deposited into a dedicated sub-account to ensure transparency and accountability. A citizen budget committee, along with School Board oversight, will monitor expenditures to confirm that all funds are used strictly as approved by voters.
No levy dollars will be allocated to administrative costs, building repairs, or maintenance. All expenditures will be reviewed as part of the District’s annual independent third-party audit.
Would businesses also pay the proposed levy tax on commercial properties?
Yes, businesses with commercial properties are also subject to the levy tax, if the proposed measure passes.
The 2026 Proposed Canby Schools Levy