Two property tax levy renewals and one bond measure supporting the Bellevue School District got overwhelming support at the polls Tuesday. More than 70 percent of voters approved each measure.
More than 18,290 ballots – 25.6 percent of the district’s registered voters –- were counted as of 8:05 p.m. Feb. 11.
Proposition No. 1, authorizing the replacement of the district’s Educational Programs and Operations Levy, was passing by 72.38 percent. The levy funds more than a quarter of the district budget, funding a third of teacher salaries, supporting art and music programs in elementary schools, world languages in middle schools, gifted and special education programs and seven-period days in middle and high schools.
Proposition No. 2, authorizing the renewal of the Technology and Capital Projects Levy, was passing by 71.07 percent. The levy funds the replacement of aging technologies used in Bellevue schools, training for their use and improvements to existing buildings and facilities.
Proposition No. 3, authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds for district capital construction projects, was passing by 71.79 percent. The bonds will help rebuild six elementary and middle school campuses, improve the International and Big Picture schools and improve and add capacity to Newport High School and Woodridge Elementary School.
“I’m very excited,” schools Superintendent Tim Mills said on election night. “But I think it demonstrates the level of support for education voters have in Bellevue.”
The district will spend the next few months identifying the first campuses to undergo construction and renovation work, Mills said.
“The Bellevue community is just one of the best communities I’ve lived in,” he said, in regards to its apparent enthusiasm for well-funded education.
The three measures were supported by Bellevue Quality Schools, the city’s chamber of commerce and Seattle-King County Realtors.
King County election results will continue to be updated as ballots come in. Results will be finalized Feb. 25.
