What’s the Difference Between Bonds & Levies?

We often say “Bonds are for buildings, levies are for learning” as an easy way to understand the difference.

Bonds can be used only for capital construction projects including major renovations, buying new property, or building new schools. The state provides very little funding for construction projects, and school districts rely on voter-approved bonds to fund this work. Bond ballot measures must reach 60% voter approval to pass, and the district receives the funding up front.

Levies support programs and operations that are not fully funded by the state, including nursing and mental health services, preschool and extended day programs, and athletics and clubs. Levies have a lifespan of four years or less and expire after the allotted time period. Levy ballot measures must reach simple majority of voter approval, or 50% +1, and must be approved before the end of the school year. Levies can also be used to support transportation, technology, or small construction projects.

Lynden has a long range plan that includes both levy and bond funding to continue to provide an excellent education to every student in our care.

Nov. 4 Election – High School Bond

The Lynden School Board passed Resolution #10-25 at its July 17, 2025 Board Meeting. The resolution places a funding initiative on the November 4, 2025 ballot to:

Construct and equip a new high school with expanded capacity to replace Lynden High School;
Construct and equip public performing space on the new Lynden High School campus; and
Enhance the high school’s physical education and extracurricular activity spaces for student programs and community use.

After two previous bond attempts, the District went back to the drawing board with your concerns front and center. A citizen advisory group of local builders, business owners, and financial professionals helped us cut nearly $30M from the previous plan by:

Using grant funding where eligible
Agreeing on the use of portables for elementary school education
Focusing solely on Lynden High School, our oldest and most overcrowded facility
Validating the project cost with local contractors and recent project comparisons

This proposal represents years of investigation, a thorough planning process, and maximum return on taxpayer investment.