New law helping school levies pass

Numerous school levies that would have failed in the past appeared to be passing after Tuesday’s elections thanks to a new law that dropped the requirement for 60 percent approval in favor of a simple majority.

In November, Washington voters approved a constitutional amendment lowering the “yes” vote percentage required for approving levies from 60 percent to 50 percent plus one. This was the first election to test the new system.

“Clearly, for many districts, that vote last November has made a huge difference,” said Chris Korsmo of the League of Education Voters, which pushed the idea.

In the Yakima Valley, 12 local levy measures all passed, but only about half had 60 percent or more approval.

The Yakima School District levy drew just under 60 percent, although school officials believe it will pass that mark when all the votes are counted over the next few days.

“I think having all the levies pass shows that people are really supportive of what’s happening in public education,” said Vickie Ybarra, president of the Yakima school board.

All three of the Tri-Cities saw levy proposals pass with less than 60 percent approval. A two-year levy in Kennewick got a 57.7 percent yes vote. Levies in Richland and Pasco were passing with 59.5 percent.

Officials in that area said they didn’t reduce campaigning because of the lower threshold.

“We didn’t ease up,” said Superintendent Suzanne Feeney of Finley, where the levy was passing at a little more than 60 percent.

Levies pay for maintenance and operations costs not covered by the state, including utilities, transportation, teaching materials, art, music and physical education programs, sports and some staff.

Southwest Washington voters in the Castle Rock School District, which now includes Vader, approved a $1.9 million levy by a 55 percent vote. Vader was absorbed in the Castle Rock district last summer after voters turned down three bond and levy elections.

The simple majority formula also saved the day for the Quincy, Brewster, Soap Lake and Waterville school districts in central Washington, which all drew less than 60 percent approval.

“I’m very thankful for positive news,” Quincy Superintendent Burton Dickerson said.

Nine school districts in King and Snohomish counties were approving levy measures in early returns.

In King County, Federal Way and Tukwila school districts were passing four-year operating levies with more than 60 percent approval in early returns.

In Snohomish County, almost all school levy measures were passing with well over 50 percent voter approval, though most would not have passed under the previous 60 percent standard.