Did you know that when voters approve a District measure, they are voting for a specific dollar ($) amount, and that total $ amount does not change? Depending on the number of taxpayers in Deer Park (and because Deer Park is growing), the actual cost per taxpayer has significantly decreased because there are more to share the total cost. The District does not receive more $ when there is growth. For example, notice that when the high school bond was passed in 2009, the estimated tax rate was $2.69/$1,000 and $3.20/$1,000 of assessed value in 2010 and 2011. Since then, that same high school bond rate has decreased to $1.04/$1,000! The 4 year capital levy the District is asking voters to consider is estimated to be a cost of $1.45/$1,000 which will allow the District to not only accomplish the four (4) project goals from this capital levy, but provide taxpayers a reasonable, predicable tax rate for future planning.
2 days ago, DPSD
Tax rates over time
Did you know that the state’s school funding formula doesn't provide resources or funding for large capital costs? While resources are provided for general care and upkeep, districts must rely on locally-funded capital levies and bonds to address larger renovations and new construction needs. To learn more about the short-term capital levy, click here: https://www.dpsd.org/page/levy2025
3 days ago, DPSD
did you know

The capital levy that the Deer Park School District is asking the community to consider includes capital projects (which the state does not fund) that "preserve our past and plan for the future." This is Arcadia Elementary's roof. It needs to be replaced along with the HVAC system. The roof at Arcadia, along with safety and security systems pre-K - 12 (intercoms, emergency alert systems, and phones), as well as other upgrades to Arcadia Elementary, such as fencing and new carpet, along with the purchase of the land east of Deer Park Elementary School and rebuilding of the transportation facility, are capital projects included in the capital levy. Ballots will hit your mailboxes later this week. Photo credit: Angie McBride

4 days ago, DPSD
Arcadia roof
Arcadia roof
Arcadia roof
Our youngest learners (pre-school) are eagerly watching and awaiting the extension of their playground! Many thanks to the maintenance and facilities team for their hard work! You make a positive difference for our children!
4 days ago, DPSD
Pre school playground

Last Friday, dedicated educators pre-K - 12 came together to learn, plan, and gear up for student success! Educators learned how assessments can be used as a source of information to build hope, efficacy, and achievement, how to apply an efficient and accurate assessment design with colleagues, and how to enhance the formative purpose of assessments to drive learning.

6 days ago, DPSD
LID 2025
LID 2025
LID 2025
LID 2025
LID 2025
LID 2025
LID 2025
LID 2025
LID 2025
LID 2025
Are you curious about the history of the current transportation facility (1890)? Many thanks to the Clayton/Deer Park Historical Society for the history, information, and photos! With the influx of settlers into northeastern Washington in the late 1880s came the need to build housing and clear the land for farming. The settlement of the greater Deer Park area began when homesteaders started claiming plots of land. Once a claim had been staked, they had to work hard to make the land habitable by clearing trees and brush to provide enough room for a house, garden, and tillable fields. At first, the trees were used for log houses and firewood. As sawmills were imported, the trees were reduced to lumber. Large amounts of lumber were needed as more and more settlers moved into the area. (Source: https://www.cdphs.org/uploads/3/4/2/0/34204235/newsletter_30_downsizesinglepageweb.pdf). For more information visit: https://www.cdphs.org/index.html
6 days ago, DPSD
old mill transportation facility
old mill
Did you know that the short-term capital levy will address the necessary road improvements on the 42-acre parcel? If the levy is approved, the district will extend the existing D Street and Aspen Streets to provide access to the new transportation center and existing facilities. Improvements will include utilities, on-street parking, and stormwater facilities, five-foot sidewalks, curbs and street lighting on both sides of the roadway. Learn more here: https://www.dpsd.org/page/landproject
6 days ago, DPSD
Capital Levy 2025
Did you know that if the proposed short-term capital levy is approved, Deer Park’s local education tax rate will still be below the average when compared to the 13 Spokane County school districts? To learn more about the proposed short-term capital levy costs, click here: https://www.dpsd.org/page/levy2025costs
8 days ago, DPSD
did you know
Did you wonder why the facilities committee recommended a short-term levy instead of a bond? The smaller scope of the projects is far better suited for a capital levy. Unlike a bond that assumes longer-term debt to address larger-scale projects like new schools, a capital levy is a common way Washington schools fund smaller-scale projects like those being proposed. To learn more about the short-term capital levy, click here: https://www.dpsd.org/page/levy2025
10 days ago, DPSD
Capital Levy 2025
Did you know that the DP Transportation facility is surrounded on all sides by a train track, Spring Creek, and wetlands? This prohibits the current Transportation facility from being expanded. Currently, the facility parks 36 buses, contains a 6-bay garage, and a covered carport for 4 SUVs. There are about 35 employees who also need to park their vehicles (and share 2 bathrooms). This is all contained in an area that is less than 2 acres. The District is asking the community to consider relocating and rebuilding the transportation facility.
13 days ago, DPSD
transportation facility
Transportation Facility
Did you know that by purchasing the 42-acre parcel from the city, and developing the road and associated infrastructure, this ensures Deer Park will have the necessary space to address current and projected facility and program
needs as we are planning for the future? Learn more about the project here: https://www.dpsd.org/page/landproject
17 days ago, DPSD
Capital Levy 2025
The short-term capital levy will address many preservation projects at Arcadia Elementary, including replacing the 30-yr old roof, 30-yr old gym HVAC units, 30-yr-old flooring, and installation of safety fencing. To learn more about the proposed Arcadia improvements, click here: https://www.dpsd.org/page/arcadiaproject
20 days ago, DPSD
Arcadia Elementary
Arcadia roof
Did you know that the Deer Park School District has demonstrated fiscal responsibility by not asking the community to support additional capital projects financially? The last capital project measure that the community financially supported was the high school bond (which will be paid off this December). The following projects have been accomplished by the District recently through demonstrating fiscal responsibility and savings and WITHOUT asking the community for additional funds: Varsity softball field, Bleachers and pressbox, DPE roof, safety vestibules at all of the schools, DPMS addition, Clayton kitchen, Clayton storage unit, paving, & fence, laptops for students, DPE chiller lines replacement, Security cameras installed, Arcadia, ECEAP & DPE, Home Link/Administration exterior paint, High school soffit paint, Home Link bathroom addition/Admin conference room, High school irrigation pump/smart meter, High school stadium fencing, Bus garage parking lot grading and dust control, Bus garage drivers' room remodel and admin office construction. All of these projects have been accomplished while working diligently to provide daily custodial and grounds maintenance.
23 days ago, DPSD
fiscal responsibility
Did you know that today (9/25/25) is "Perfect Square Day?"

A Perfect Square Day is a date where the month, day, and year numbers can all be represented as perfect squares (like 9, 16, 25). For example, September 16, 2025 (9/16/25) is a Perfect Square Day because 9 is 3², 16 is 4², and 2025 is 45². This particular date is also special because the square roots (3, 4, and 5) form the well-known Pythagorean triple (3² + 4² = 5²), making it a particularly noteworthy event for mathematicians.

Do you know when the next perfect square day will be?

From: Your math educators in Deer Park School District
24 days ago, DPSD
Perfect Square Day
How much will my taxes increase if the levy is passed? The short-term, 4-year capital levy is estimated to cost $1.45/$1,000 assessed value. The current bond, which will be paid off after this year, is assessed at $1.03/$1,000. If approved, tax rates would increase by $0.42/$1,000 over current levels for four years. Learn more here: https://www.dpsd.org/page/levy2025
24 days ago, DPSD
Capital Levy 2025
Did you know that the district will appoint a 10-member, independent Community Levy Oversight Committee to ensure accountability and fiscal transparency throughout the duration of the levy? To learn more about the committee or if you are interested in serving, contact Dr. Allman (alexa.allman@dpsdmail.org). Click here to learn more: https://www.dpsd.org/page/levyoversight
27 days ago, DPSD
Capital Levy 2025
Did you know that the 42-acre parcel, currently owned by the city, was identified as being the last available site within city limits that could reasonably serve to support a future school site? That’s why the Facilities Advisory Committee prioritized it in the short-term capital levy. Learn more about the project here: https://www.dpsd.org/page/landproject
about 1 month ago, DPSD
Capital Levy 2025
land and road
Many thanks to the Spokesman Review for the article featuring, "‘Our last and best hope’: Deer Park School District asks voters for $14.5M levy to replace aging bus barn, acquire land and other projects." The Deer Park School District will be asking the community to consider a short-term capital levy (4 years) to accomplish projects including district-wide safety and security (phones, intercom, emergency alert system, fencing, etc.), new roof & HVAC system for Arcadia, purchase of the last land available in Deer Park (and completion of the road), and re-building of the transportation facility. https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/sep/16/our-last-and-best-hope-deer-park-school-district-a/
about 1 month ago, DPSD
Today, our amazing preschool teachers spent the day diving into the science of reading during a full-day workshop! 📚✨ By learning the research-backed principles that support early literacy, they’re better equipped to help our youngest learners build strong reading foundations.

When children grasp the fundamentals of reading at an early age, it sets them up for long-term academic success, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. Early literacy is more than just letters and sounds—it’s the first step toward unlocking a world of opportunities! 🌟

#EarlyLearning #PreschoolTeachers #ScienceOfReading #LiteracyMatters #FutureReaders
about 1 month ago, DPSD
early literacy preschool
pre school early literacy
pre school early literacy
Preserving our Past. Planning our Future. Did you know that the Deer Park School District has developed a long-range facilities plan that balances facility preservation and planning with an emphasis on keeping tax rates as low as possible for the community? To learn more about the District's intermediate and long-term plans, click here: https://www.dpsd.org/page/longrangeplan
about 1 month ago, DPSD
Long term plan
Longer term plan