A $60.5 million school bond has been voted down in Clarkston.
The proposal to replace much of Clarkston High School and make improvements to other schools in the district received 50.6 percent of the vote through Tuesday’s general election, but still fell short of the 60 percent supermajority school bonds need to pass in Washington state. The bond would have cost homeowners an estimated tax rate of $2.49 per $1,000 assessed property value. It’s the third time a Clarkston school bond measure has fallen short, with proposals failing in 2011 and 2014. Superintendent Tim Winter said it’s too early to say whether the Clarkston School Board will opt to run the measure again in February, when a school levy election is planned.
Two new faces are joining the Clarkston City Council. Pat Holman received 61 percent of the vote to oust incumbent Kelly Blackmon, while Russ Evans defeated Richard Hayward by a similar 61 percent to 39 percent tally. Incumbent John Murray leads his race against challenger Melyssa Andrews by 17 votes, but more ballots were to be counted Wednesday.
As for ballot proposals, Clarkston’s emergency medical services levy received 69 percent approval, as did the Asotin County Fire District’s levy lid lift to pay for equipment updates and finishing a new fire hall.
However, the city of Asotin’s attempt to raise its general fund levy failed after receiving only 31 percent support. As of Tuesday, Asotin County voter turnout was 37 percent. (Lewiston Tribune)
