Voters have approved the Highline School District's $140 million, four-year educational programs and operations levy on its first try.
As of last week, King County Elections officials reported 11,723 votes (65 percent) for and 6,311 votes (35 percent) against.
The levy needed a 60 percent supermajority to pass.
It will fund 18 percent to 20 percent of the district's operating budget, including salary and benefits for 95 teachers and 170 support staff.
Among levy-funded items are textbooks, classroom supplies, security, building maintenance, athletics, music instruction and the outdoor education program at Camp Waskowitz
District staffers estimate the tax rate in 2008 would be $2.56 for each $1,000 of assessed value, going up to $2.72 in 2011. The rate for the previous levy that expires in December is $2.40.
A taxpayer with a $300,000 home would pay about $96 more over four years than for the previous levy.
Election workers will continue to count votes mailed in by the March 13 midnight deadline Results will not be officially certified until March 28.
But Lois Schipper, president of Highline Citizens for Schools, said Thursday that with the vote counts holding steady at around a 64 percent approval rate, she was confident of levy passage.
Her group ran the pro-levy campaign.
"I am thrilled the community came out to show its confidence in our schools," Schipper declared.
"At this point, the school district has very strong leadership. Voters see that schools are continuing to be built on time and on budget. They see the visible investment in buildings."
Schipper also lauded members of the citizens group who have participated in several school election campaigns.
Superintendent John Welch said, "I want to express my gratitude to the entire community for its support."
Alan Sutliff, Highline Education Association president, also commented, "Thank you for everyone who has worked tirelessly for the last few weeks."
The association is the teachers' union.
Eric Mathison may be reached via wseditor@robinsonnews.com
