Take two, Tahoma EP&O levy passing

Currently, the TSD levy is passing and the Puget Sound Regional Fire Proposition 1 is failing.

After the Tahoma School District had three levies fail in the February Special Election, it decided to run the Education Programs and Operations levy again on the April SpecialElection ballot.

Ballots were collected and counting began 8 p.m. Tuesday. Currently, the levy is passing with 60.99 percent with 5,900 yes votes.

To better spread the word this election cycle, the school district held meetings to inform the public about where the levy money will be used.

Kevin Patterson, communications director for TSD, said in a previous interview that if the levy failed an estimated 30 people could be laid off.

Patterson said he and the district are very grateful for the community’s support.

“We can now move ahead with what we are here to do—provide an outstanding education to our 8,200 students, he said. “Many thanks to the volunteers who worked countless hours to inform the community and get out the vote. We owe them a great debt. We also thank the people in our community who took time to study the information, ask us questions and challenge us. I hope we can now come together in service to our students and community.

The Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority also ran a measure on this month’s ballot — Proposition No. 1. An early count showed it being rejected by 58.25 percent. Final results will be certified by King County Elections on May 4.

To view up to date results, visit http://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20180424/king/.