Initial results from the special election held on February 10, 2024, indicate that the Clarkston School District’s multi-year replacement educational programs and operations levy is poised to pass. The preliminary figures, released on Tuesday night, show that the measure has strong support in both Asotin and Whitman counties. The official results will be finalized on February 20, according to Whitman County Auditor Sandy Jamison.
In Asotin County, the Clarkston School District’s four-year replacement levy currently holds a commanding lead with 58% approval. Specifically, it garnered 2,154 votes in favor compared to 1,537 against. The measure is also receiving favorable results in Whitman County, where it has two approving votes with no opposition. If approved, the levy would generate approximately $5,428,000 in 2027, escalating to $5,931,000 by 2030. This funding will support essential school services, including security, nursing, curriculum development, athletics, technology, and teacher training. Homeowners will face an assessment of $250 per $100,000 of property value during the levy period.
Other School District Results
The LaCrosse School District also reported positive results for its replacement capital levy, which aims to modernize and improve school facilities. This three-year measure is passing with 68% approval, receiving 147 votes in favor against 69 opposing votes. The funding, estimated at about $384,000 in 2027, will facilitate crucial repairs at both the high school and elementary school, including masonry work, roof repairs, and gym renovations. Property owners will contribute $150 per $100,000 of assessed value during this period.
In the St. John School District, a similar educational programs and operation levy is passing with 66% support, totaling 189 yes votes to 96 no votes. This measure would provide $510,000 in 2027 and $525,000 in 2028, funding athletics, extracurricular activities, and smaller class sizes that are not covered by state funding. Homeowners will pay $165 per $100,000 of assessed value over two years. Additionally, the district’s replacement capital levy is succeeding, with 69% approval, which will bring in $350,000 across two years to support technology and maintenance needs.
The Rosalia School District’s replacement educational programs and operations levy is also passing with 62% support, representing 162 votes for the measure compared to 99 against. This funding will amount to $555,000 in 2027 and $572,000 in 2028, continuing to support essential staff and programs. Property owners will face an assessment of $250 per $100,000 in assessed value during the levy period. Additionally, the district’s replacement capital levy for technology and safety improvements is passing with 63% approval, totaling $90,000 over two years.
In contrast, the Washtucna School District’s four-year replacement educational program and operation levy is failing, currently showing two votes against and no votes in favor. This measure would have provided up to $150,000 in funding from 2027 through 2030 for educational expenses. Homeowners would have paid $143 per $100,000 in assessed value during this time.
The overall voter turnout for the February 10 special election was marked at 36% in Whitman County, with 7,615 registered voters casting around 2,715 ballots. In Asotin County, the turnout was 30%, with 12,468 registered voters contributing approximately 3,694 ballots.
For further details, residents can contact the Whitman County Auditor’s Office or the Asotin County Auditor’s Office.
