Results from the Feb. 11 special election show mixed outcomes for local school district funding measures.
The Ridgefield and La Center school districts have propositions that are currently passing, while others, including those in Battle Ground and Hockinson, face rejection as initial ballot counts come in.
Ridgefield and La Center’s school district measures passed last week, while others in Battle Ground and Hockinson are trailing as the first week of ballot counts are reported.
The final results are expected to be certified by Feb. 21. As of Thursday, Feb. 13, at 12 p.m., 98,669 ballots had been counted, with an estimated 400 ballots remaining.
Learn more and see updated ballot counts in the coming days at https://clark.wa.gov/elections.
Battle Ground School District No. 119
Proposition No. 8 — Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy
First-day results indicated the levy was failing, with 7,941 votes in favor and 8,553 opposed, or 48.14% to 51.86%. As of Thursday, the margin narrowed to a 117-vote difference with 9,966 votes in favor and 10,083 opposed, or 49.71% to 50.29%.
Proposition No. 8 seeks to replace an expiring levy to continue funding student educational programs, including student safety, mental health support, special education and extracurricular activities. If approved, the levy would generate an estimated $38.3 million in 2026, $40.4 million in 2027, $42.6 million in 2028, and $45 million in 2029, at a rate of $1.95 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
Superintendent Denny Waters expressed disappointment over the likely failure of the levy, citing inflation, rising tax rates and the political climate surrounding schools as potential contributors.
"It's disappointing. We’re looking at approximately $20 million worth of cuts if this doesn't pass," Waters said. "That will impact every area of our district—staffing, curriculum, transportation, health services, and security."
Under Washington law, the school district can propose another levy before its expiration at the end of 2025 to avoid significant budget cuts. The district has another opportunity to place a levy on the ballot during the April 22, 2025, special election. Budget reductions will need to be decided by May 1, 2025, should voters not approve a levy by 2026.
“We had to make $6.5 million worth of cuts last year because of the ending of the COVID relief funds and I can tell you that cutting $6.5 million was hard. I don’t know where we’re gonna find $20 million, it’s gonna have a significant impact on the entire district,” Waters said.
Waters highlighted that even with an approved levy rate of $1.95 per $1,000, the Battle Ground School District’s rate would remain the lowest in Southwest Washington.
La Center School District No. 101
Proposition No. 6 — Replacement Educational Programs and Operations Levy
The levy passed as of Thursday with 1,764 votes in favor and 1,203 opposed, or 59.45% to 40.55%.
Proposition No. 6 aims to replace an expiring levy to continue funding educational programs and operations not fully covered by state funding, including smaller class sizes, advanced courses, technology, extracurricular activities and special education. If approved, the levy would collect an estimated $3.8 million in 2026, $4.1 million in 2027, and $4.4 million in 2028 at a rate of $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
Superintendent Peter Rosenkranz was encouraged by the upward trend in passage rates for La Center.
“We’re very impressed and humbled because we have an amazing community and we’re gonna continue to work together to give our kids any opportunity possible,” Rosenkranz said.
Ridgefield School District No. 122
Proposition No. 12 — Replacement of Expiring Educational Programs and Operations Levy
The levy passed as of Thursday, with 4,927 votes in favor and 4,064 opposed, or 54.8% to 45.2%.
Proposition No. 12 seeks to replace an expiring levy to support educational programs such as community education, athletics, special education, curriculum enhancements, and staff salaries beyond state allocations. If approved, the levy would generate an estimated $14 million in 2026, $14.7 million in 2027, and $15.3 million in 2028, at a rate of $1.75 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
Proposition No. 13 — Capital Projects and Technology Levy
The Ridgefield School District’s second levy also passed with 4,958 votes in favor and 4,022 opposed, or 55.21% to 44.79% as of Thursday.
Proposition No. 13 would provide funding for the construction of a new elementary school, repairs to existing schools, technology upgrades, cybersecurity improvements, and infrastructure enhancements. The levy would collect an estimated $6.7 million in 2026, $7.1 million in 2027, and $7.4 million in 2028, at a rate of $0.84 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
Superintendent Dr. Jenny Rodriquez expressed gratitude for the community’s support in a Wednesday, Feb. 12 news release.
"We are incredibly grateful to the Ridgefield community for supporting our levy proposals and for the valuable feedback you provided throughout this process," Rodriquez said in a news release. "Your input helped shape these measures to best meet the needs of our students, staff, and schools, and your commitment ensures we can continue providing high-quality educational opportunities, restore our technology budget, and build and maintain safe and modern facilities. This investment in our schools is an investment in Ridgefield's future, and we sincerely appreciate your trust and partnership."
"On behalf of the Ridgefield School District Board of Directors, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the community for your support of these levies," RSD Board President Brett Jones added. "Your vote directly impacts the education and well-being of our students, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. We appreciate your continued dedication to making Ridgefield schools the best they can be."
Hockinson School District No. 98
Proposition No. 9 — Bonds to construct, expand, and modernize school facilities
The bond will likely fail with 1,741 votes in favor and 1,966 opposed, or 46.97% to 53.03% as of Thursday.
Proposition No. 9 would provide $87.75 million in bonds to construct a new elementary school, expand and modernize existing schools, and upgrade district-wide safety and lighting. The bonds would be repaid through annual excess property taxes over a 21-year period.
Hockinson School District Superintendent Steve Marshall expressed disappointment in the outcome in an email to The Reflector.
“I am disappointed that the bond didn't pass. However, I understand the result,” Marshall wrote. “The Hockinson community communicated a message that on the ballot came through as a No vote. I have heard a number of reasons for the vote and in the next few weeks we will be reaching out to our families and community members to gather input about the bond and school facility needs. Ultimately, it's our ability and willingness to work together and find common ground that makes our community strong in Hockinson. In the meantime, we will continue our commitment to protecting our community’s investment in HSD schools by keeping up on the day-to-day maintenance of our existing facilities.”
