Residents of Olympia Community Unit School District (CUSD) 16 voted to approve two questions on the March 19 ballot.
Question one, Operations + Maintenance passed 66.3% yes to 33.7% no (unofficial results). Question two, Education Fund, passed 64.9% yes to35.1% no (unofficial results). These questions were a tax swap, resulting in no change to the $5.50 overall tax rate.
“We’re so excited about what’s to come for the District because of our community’s support. We are thrilled that we’re able to provide additional opportunities for students with no tax rate impact on voters.” said Laura O’Donnell, Olympia Superintendent.
Approval of question one (Operations + Maintenance Fund) allows the District to:
Make important repairs and maintenance to the elementary and OHMS campus buildings
Repair the pool and associated spaces
Complete additional projects from the recent stakeholder survey (Ag/STEM Space)
Approval of question two (Education Fund) allows the District to:
Reduce the deficit in the education fund
Provide more competitive salaries for teachers and support staff
Add important programs and class opportunities across the district
District officials will now begin working with the school board to create more detailed timelines for prioritized projects. More information about these questions and updates about the planning process will continue to be posted to www.olympia.org/referendum.
“Thank you to everyone who participated in this process and voted on these questions,” O’Donnell said.
The school board will certify the election results at the May 13 board meeting.