A ballot measure to replace an expiring property tax levy for Woodland Public Schools is failing by only a few dozen votes after initial election results rolled in on Tuesday night in the April special election.
Shortly after 8 p.m. on April 25, the initial count of ballots in Clark and Cowlitz counties was released. In that first count, Woodland’s replacement educational programs and operations levy had 1,634 votes in favor of the measure and 1,671 against it, or about 49.4% approval.
Tuesday’s total included a stronger showing of approval on the first night of results compared to Woodland’s first attempt at the levy renewal in February. The initial count two months ago resulted in only 43.2% in support of the measure.
The 3,305 total voters Tuesday was also about a 26% greater turnout when compared to the 2,616 people who cast ballots during the first count of February’s election. The first effort ultimately failed with only 43.8% approval.
The current levy will expire at the end of this calendar year. It funds a significant amount of the district’s operations. If approved, the replacement levy rate is expected to be an estimated $1.91 per $1,000 of assessed value on properties in the district. That rate is lower than the current levy’s $2.10 per $1,000 of assessed value.
If the levy does not receive majority approval, Woodland Public Schools has identified $3 million in cuts it would make for the 2023-24 school year. The cuts cover aspects of the district ranging from staff reductions, technology purchases, school security improvements and middle school sports, among others.
Clark County will tally another round of ballots Wednesday, while Cowlitz County, where the bulk of Woodland Public Schools voters are, will have conduct count on Thursday, according to the counties’ respective website.
