PORT ANGELES — The Port Angeles School District’s two propositions — a replacement educational programs and operations levy and a $140 million bond to replace two schools — both appeared to be passing Wednesday.
The four-year EP&O levy, which needed a simple majority to pass, received 59.74 percent of the vote (7,495 votes) to 40.26 percent against (5,050 votes). The $34.7 million levy has a rate of $1.40 per $1,000 of assessed value and will pay for programs, services and staff not fully funded by the state. It replaces the levy voters approved in 2020 and expires in 2025.
A 20-year bond to fund the replacement of Port Angeles High School and Franklin Elementary was approved by 61.75 percent of voters (7,735 votes) and rejected by 38.3 percent (4,791 votes). The bond required a 60 percent supermajority to pass, a hurdle that a number of school districts around the state have struggled to overcome in the past.
“I am thrilled about our town,” said school board President Sarah Methner. “This will allow us to move so much more quickly and fast-track the projects.”
The bond replaces a five-year capital levy to fund the new Stevens Middle School that will begin construction next summer.
Methner said approval of the bond means it is possible Port Angeles would have three new schools open in 2028-2029. It also will fund the renovation of the Port Angeles Performing Arts Center.
The EP&O levy will have a much more immediate impact.
“It is absolutely vital,” Methner said. “It funds the music education that this town is so proud of and athletics and the people in the classrooms.”
The bond is part of the district’s 30-year capital improvement plan for replacing schools with the highest needs. The high school, built in 1953, and Franklin Elementary, built in 1954, are among the oldest facilities in the district.
