Voters turned down Yelm Community Schools’ proposed replacement levy in the April 23 special election.
Thurston County Canvassing Board has officially certified the results of the April 23, 2024 Special Election for Yelm Community Schools Proposition No. 1 - Replacement Educational Programs and Operations Levy.
The proposition was supposed to enable Yelm Community Schools to replace the expiring educational programs and operations levy by the end of 2024.
Proceeds from the levy would have covered expenses for educational programs and operations not fully funded by the State. This represents 13% of the district's budget, according to the district.
The decision came down to a narrow margin, with 48.47% in favor and 51.53% against the levy.
These include resources such as special education, nurses, counselors, school resource officers, safety staff, graduation readiness initiatives, technology upgrades, athletics, extracurricular activities, and curriculum materials and training.
The proposed replacement levy spans four years, authorizing tax collection of up to $13,950,000 in 2025, $14,525,000 in 2026, $15,100,000 in 2027, and $15,700,000 in 2028.
To achieve these amounts, an estimated tax levy rate of $2.25 per $1,000 of assessed property value is required.
However, adjustments to the levy rate and collection amounts may occur following State law limitations at the time of implementation.
UPDATE May 10, 2024: The previous version of this story did not include all of the ballots cast, including 1,166 from Pierce County voters.
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JW
It's rare that we hear such good news with school levies. Nice work, Yelm voters! Starve the beast.
Friday, May 10 Report this
Callie
A tragedy for the kids.
Go without special education, nurses, counselors, school resource officers, safety staff, graduation readiness initiatives, technology upgrades, athletics, extracurricular activities, and curriculum materials and training.
Friday, May 10 Report this
DeninOly
I did the math. The levy lost by 60 votes. Apathy matters.
Friday, May 10 Report this
Madeline_Bishop
When you vote to cut taxes, you are also cutting services and jobs. 200 jobs will be lost.
Friday, May 10 Report this
Johnwils
I think the failure of the school levy is tragic too. I was a volunteer at the districts track meet this last Tuesday and Thursday. I was so impressed with the competition and camaraderie of the student athletes. They are the future and give hope for the future. To deny them and all other students the essential resources for a good educational and developmental experience is short sighted, if not mean spirited. If one doesn’t approve of the spending priorities of the school district, then get involved in the voting of school board members. Don’t take it out on the kids by turning down the levy. Saying it again, it was such a good time being around those athletes, I just had to make a comment here….they absolutely deserve our support.
Friday, May 10 Report this
Ms1234
….and you thought Yelm was a nasty place to live before! Last one out turn off the lights.
Saturday, May 11 Report this