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About the Youth Activities & Academics Levy
The Ashland School District's mission is to inspire students to be lifelong learners, responsible citizens, and stewards of the world.
The Youth Activities and Academics Levy (YAAL), which currently provides funding for a portion of the District's educational and extracurricular programs, is scheduled to expire in June 2026.
If approved, the levy would continue to generate revenue supporting student athletics, music programs, fine arts, and enhanced academic programs and classes across the District. The YAAL currently represents more than 10 percent of the District's annual operating revenue and supports programs and services not fully funded by the State School Fund.
A rate of $1.29 per thousand of assessed value is estimated to raise approximately $5.1 million to $5.8 million per year over the next 5 years.
The History of YAAL and Stakes of Renewing the Levy
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The Ashland School District's mission is to inspire students to be lifelong learners, responsible citizens, and stewards of the world.
The Youth Activities and Academics Levy (YAAL), which currently provides funding for a portion of the District's educational and extracurricular programs, is scheduled to expire in June 2026.
If approved, the levy would continue to generate revenue supporting student athletics, music programs, fine arts, and enhanced academic programs and classes across the District. The YAAL currently represents more than 10 percent of the District's annual operating revenue and supports programs and services not fully funded by the State School Fund.
A rate of $1.29 per thousand of assessed value is estimated to raise approximately $5.1 million to $5.8 million per year over the next 5 years.
The YAAL is a crucial funding source that helps maintain programs and services that are key to a well-rounded educational experience. The YAAL provides approximately 10% of the District’s general fund and, in 2024-25, funded approximately 88% of athletics and fine arts, 75% of world language programs, 24% of counseling services, and 4% of classroom instruction.
These programs and services play a large part in ensuring that we give our students the “Ashland Advantage.” Renewing this levy will help the District continue its work to prepare every student to be a lifelong learner, responsible
citizen, and steward of the world.
What Happens if the Renewal Levy Passes?
If the levy is renewed, the District will be able to maintain instructional
services and support in the following areas:
• Athletics and activities;
• Fine arts programs, including theater, band, orchestra, and choir;
• Physical education;
• Counseling and mental health support;
• World languages; and
• General classroom instruction.
What Happens if the Renewal Levy Fails?
The expiring levy funds approximately 10% of the District’s operational budget. This represents more than 20 full-time positions that could be affected, along with many coaching positions. Reductions to academic programming, student supports, and extracurricular opportunities would occur beginning in the 2026-27 school year.
2026 YAAL Campaign Committee Volunteers
Among other volunteers, the following individuals are helping to lead the 2026 YAAL Renewal Campaign:
Rod Palmquist, PAC Director
Linda Adams, PAC Treasurer
If you would like to get in touch with the YAAL Committee, please contact us by:
Email: info@YesForAshlandSchools.com
Phone: (206) 412-2014
Mail: Youth Activities and Academics Levy
642 Oak Street
Ashland, OR 97520
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