Second time was the charm for Pasco School District to secure voter approval for renewal of its operations levy. 

Pasco’s Educational Programs & Operations, or EP&O, levy passed with 59.01% approval, or 8,619 votes, according to final results announced by the Franklin County Auditor’s Office on May 8.

Voters returned 14,621 ballots, leading to a turnout of 32%. 

Pasco was the only Tri-City school district that didn’t pass a levy in February. Voters narrowly rejected it, prompting the district’s school board to quickly decide to place it back before voters.  

The levy rate presented on the April 28 ballot of $2.08 per $1,000 of assessed property value, which will generate about $35 million annually, is slightly below what was requested in February. However, it is the same rate as voters currently pay.

The levy approval means the district can continue funding essential educational programs, student learning opportunities, extracurricular activities and staffing. These resources help ensure students across Pasco have access to consistent, high-quality learning environments and opportunities to grow, learn and succeed, the district said in a release. 

The district noted that district employee voter turnout showed an increase compared to the February election.

The decision to run the levy again without reducing it further was not unanimous. Two board members in February said many district families are worried about their finances as the cost of everything, from gas to groceries, climbs. However, other board members argued that reducing the rate would provide a minimal benefit to individual property taxpayers compared to the cumulative impact on the district’s budget. 

District officials indicated declining voter turnout along with economic stress was a factor in the levy’s rejection in February. School board member Heather Kubalek said her research indicated the February special election, with 25% voter turnout, was the lowest voter turnout in 16 years on ballots with school-related measures. 

Paterson School District, which operates a lone K-8 school in southern Benton County, also had an EP&O levy on the ballot. 

The levy passed with more than 81% approval with 35 of 43 ballots in favor. Voter turnout for that election was 21%. 

The elections were certified on May 8.