Voters
have approved two school levies to fund day-to-day programs and
operations, aging facility improvements, and technology upgrades,
according to unofficial February 11 Special Election results.
The
Pierce County Auditor’s Office reported on election night that a
four-year Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy
(Proposition 1) received 65.79 percent 12,535 yes votes compared to 34.21 percent 6,519 no votes.
The
replacement levy pays for about one-quarter (24 percent) of the
district’s day-to-day programs and operations and renews an existing
four-year levy approved by voters in 2010.
Voters also approved a School Facilities
Improvements and Technology Upgrades Levy (Proposition 2) with 62.76
percent 11,939 yes votes compared to 37.24 percent 7,083 no votes.
The
six-year levy supports improving aging neighborhood school buildings
and updating classroom technology to support teaching and learning.
“We
appreciate the gracious and generous support from our community,”
responded Superintendent Tim Yeomans. “We will continue to be good
stewards of the dollars entrusted to us. Our primary mission will be to
continue improvement of instruction, student growth, and achievement.
Passage of these levies will allow us to provide that support over the
next four years of operation and six years of maintenance for our
facilities.”
Pleased
with the election results, School Board President Chris Ihrig noted,
“The Puyallup community has once again stepped forward with a resounding
voice of dedicated support for continuing the tradition of excellence
in education. Today’s yes vote provides much needed wind in the academic
sails as we continue to create an environment where every child can
succeed. On behalf of the students, teachers, support staff,
administration and Board of Directors, we extend a heart-felt thank you
to each member of our community.”
The Pierce County Auditor’s Office will certify the Special Election results on February 25.
Puyallup is the ninth largest school district in the state with more the 20,500 students.