The initial results from the special election held on February 10, 2024, indicate that several school district levies in Whitman and Asotin counties are passing, while others are struggling. The outcome remains provisional as additional ballots are still being counted, with final results expected by February 20, 2024, according to Whitman County Auditor Sandy Jamison.
Clarkston School District is seeing significant support for its four-year replacement educational programs and operations levy, which is currently passing with approximately 58% approval. The measure garnered 2,154 votes in favor compared to 1,537 against in Asotin County. This levy, which spans multiple counties, is also receiving positive feedback in Whitman County, where it has two approving votes with no rejections. If approved, the levy is projected to generate around $5.4 million in 2027, with increases each year, reaching approximately $5.9 million by 2030. The funds will support essential services such as school security, nurse staffing, curriculum development, athletics, technology, and teacher training. Homeowners will contribute $250 per $100,000 in assessed property value during the levy period.
In contrast, the LaCrosse School District is experiencing a favorable response to its capital replacement levy aimed at modernizing school facilities. Currently, it is passing with 68% approval, receiving 147 votes in favor against 69 opposing votes. This three-year measure is expected to provide approximately $384,000 in 2027, with slight increases each subsequent year. It will fund necessary repairs at the high school and elementary school, including exterior masonry and updates to outdated gym facilities. Property owners will pay $150 per $100,000 of assessed home value.
The St. John School District is also seeing positive results for its replacement educational programs and operations levy, which is passing with 66% support, translating to 189 votes for and 96 against. This measure aims to provide $510,000 in 2027 and $525,000 in 2028 to support athletics, extracurricular activities, and professional learning not covered by state funding. Homeowners will contribute $165 per $100,000 of assessed property value. Additionally, the district’s capital levy for technological upgrades is passing with 69% approval.
The Rosalia School District is reporting similar results, with its replacement educational programs and operations levy passing by 62%, receiving 162 votes in favor and 99 against. The measure aims to provide $555,000 in 2027 and $572,000 in 2028 to continue funding personnel, athletics, and maintenance. Property owners will be assessed $250 per $100,000 in property value. Additionally, the district’s capital levy for technology and safety improvements is also passing by 63%.
However, the Washtucna School District faces challenges, with its four-year replacement educational program and operations levy currently failing. The measure, which would provide up to $150,000 from 2027 through 2030, has received no approving votes. Homeowners would have faced a cost of $143 per $100,000 in assessed property value.
Voter turnout in Whitman County was approximately 36%, with around 2,715 ballots cast out of 7,615 registered voters. Asotin County reported a turnout of 30%, with about 3,694 ballots cast from a total of 12,468 registered voters.
For further updates and information, residents can visit the Whitman County Auditor’s Office at whitmancounty.gov/169/Election-Information and the Asotin County Auditor’s Office at asotincountywa.gov/183/Elections.
