Spokane County schools run bonds, levies in special election

Voters in several Spokane County school districts will have some decisions on school funding to make in tomorrow’s special election.

The East Valley, Newport, Rosalia, St. John and Tekoa school districts are running bonds and levies, some focused on improving buildings and others on funding educational programs. Spokane County Auditor Vicky Dalton said turnout in these types of elections tends to be low, but she encourages people to participate.

“For the voters, this is about your voice,” Dalton said. “You need to participate. You need to mark that ballot and get it back to us. Because this makes the difference in how the school districts will operate. Will they have a levy or a bond or not?”

The East Valley School District is asking voters to pay $220 million to fund a new high school, middle school and safety improvements. This will cost taxpayers an estimated $1.96 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

The Newport School District is running both a bond and levy. If passed, the bond will fund building renovations and cost $1.75 per $1,000. The levy will cost $1.45 per $1,000, which is five cents fewer than what taxpayers previously approved. If passed, the levy will fund educational programs and school operations.

Voters is the Rosalia School District will consider two levies. One will focus on operations and cost $2.50 per $1,000, and the other will fund technology, safety and security and cost 41 cents per $1,000.

Two levies are also on the ballot in the St. John School District. One of the two levies costs $1.65 per $1,000 and will fund programs and operations. The second levy will cost $1.15 in 2027 and $1.10 in 2028, funding improvements to school facilities.

Those in the Tekoa School District will decide whether to pay $2.50 per $1,000 for educational programs and operations.

Voters have until 8 p.m. tomorrow to either postmark their ballots or return them to a drop box. The elections will be certified 10 days later.