Voters in the Tukwila School District are saying a resounding “yes” to two levies and a bond measure on Tuesday’s special election ballot.
More than enough voters have turned out to validate the election for the construction and renovation bond measure, which requires a 60 percent yes vote and at least a 40 percent turnout based on the last general election. Levies require a simple majority yes vote.
School District Superintendent Nancy Coogan and Tukwila Mayor Allan Ekberg will hold a community celebration 6-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, at the Tukwila Community Center, 12424 42nd Ave. S., where the community can ask questions, give feedback, and hear all about the next steps for projects in the school construction bond.
There will be renderings, timelines, cake and refreshments.
Here are the results after the initial tally Tuesday night:
Bond measure
YES: 67.11 percent or 963 vote
No: 32.89 percent or 472 votes
The $99 million bond measure will build an early learning center for kids that will house the district’s preschool programs and all kindergartens and additions at Showalter Middle School and Foster High School for STEAM programs. There are millions of dollars for deferred maintenance throughout the district.
School programs/operations levy
YES: 69.86 percent or 999 votes
NO: 30.14 percent or 431 votes
The renewal of the four-year levy will raise roughly $12 million in each year to cover the cost of school operations not paid for by the state.
Technology levy
YES: 71.14 percent or 1,023 votes
NO: 28.86 percent or 415 votes
The renewal of the four-year Technology Levy will raise about $890,000 each year to upgrade and modernize the laptops students need to learn how to work in a 21st century economy.
The King County Elections Division will update the results daily until the election is certified on Feb. 19.
