Initial results from the special election held on February 10, 2024, indicate significant support for various educational levies in the Clarkston area, according to official reports. The results, published on Tuesday night, remain preliminary as more ballots continue to be counted. Whitman County Auditor Sandy Jamison confirmed that final results will be available on February 20.
In the Clarkston School District, the four-year replacement educational programs and operations levy is currently passing with approximately 58% approval. Out of the total votes, 2,154 favored the measure while 1,537 opposed it in Asotin County. This levy, which also extends to Whitman County, will provide essential funding amounting to around $5.4 million in 2027, increasing to $5.9 million by 2030. The funds will support various school needs, including security, curriculum, extracurricular activities, and teacher salaries. Homeowners will face a tax of $250 per $100,000 in assessed property value during this period.
Other Districts Show Positive Outcomes
The LaCrosse School District is also experiencing favorable results with its replacement capital levy, receiving approval from about 68% of voters. The measure garnered 147 votes in favor and 69 against. This three-year levy is expected to generate approximately $384,000 in 2027, with incremental increases each year. The funds will be allocated for crucial repairs and improvements to school facilities, including the gym and roofing.
In the St. John School District, two significant levies are passing. The educational programs and operation levy is supported by 66% of voters, with 189 approvals compared to 96 rejections. This measure will provide $510,000 in 2027 and $525,000 in 2028 for athletics and extracurricular activities. Homeowners will pay $165 per $100,000 in assessed value during the two-year timeframe.
Additionally, the district’s replacement capital levy, which supports technology and maintenance, is passing with a margin of 69%. It is projected to bring in $350,000 over the next two years, with property owners paying $115 in 2027 and $110 in 2028 per $100,000 of assessed value.
The Rosalia School District is also seeing positive results, with its educational programs and operations levy passing by 62%. The measure would allocate $555,000 in 2027 and $572,000 in 2028 to support teachers, athletics, and maintenance. Homeowners will be taxed $250 per $100,000 in assessed value.
Furthermore, a replacement capital levy for technology and safety improvements is passing with about 63% approval. This measure aims to provide $90,000 over two years for security equipment and infrastructure upgrades, with homeowners paying $41 in 2027 and $39 in 2028 per $100,000 in assessed value.
Challenges for Washtucna School District
In contrast, the Washtucna School District is facing challenges as its four-year replacement educational program and operation levy is currently failing. The measure received no approvals, with two objecting votes. If passed, it would have generated up to $150,000 from 2027 through 2030 to support educational programs. Homeowners would have been responsible for a tax of $143 per $100,000 in assessed value during this period.
Voter turnout in the special election was notable, with 7,615 registered voters in Whitman County resulting in a turnout of 36%, equating to approximately 2,715 ballots cast. In Asotin County, there were 12,468 registered voters and a turnout of 30%, with around 3,694 ballots submitted.
The results will continue to evolve as more ballots are counted, but initial findings reflect a strong commitment from the community to support educational initiatives across these districts. For further information, residents can contact the Whitman County Auditor’s Office or the Asotin County Auditor’s Office.
