School levy passes by 2% margin

The Grand Coulee Dam School District's Supplemental Educational Programs and Operation passed with 51% of the vote last Tuesday.

Results of the Nov. 3 general election show that Okanogan County voters liked the levy more than voters in Grant, Douglas, and Lincoln counties, and liked it enough to help it pass.

A majority of school district voters in Grant County voted against the levy 544-481; in Douglas County said no by a 98-89 vote; and in Lincoln County 55% voted no, 105-86.

But in Okanogan County 63 % of voters approved the levy, 323-191, enough to pass it with a 51.07% overall approval and a total vote count of 979 for, 938 against the measure, as of Monday.

County canvassing boards must certify election results by Nov. 24 and the secretary of state must certify results by Dec. 3.

The levy will add an extra $1 per $1,000 of assessed property value to property taxes, or $100 on a $100,000 home. 

An estimated $600,000 will be brought into the district over the next two years from the levy.