Highline Public Schools’ $595.4 million school construction bond had climbed to 63.62% approval in unofficial returns released Friday, comfortably clearing the 60% threshold it needs to pass, while a companion technology and capital improvements levy held 58.65% support. Both figures remain unofficial until King County finishes counting ballots.
The November 6 update, posted at 4:21 p.m., showed the bond measure, known as Proposition 1, with 25,299 votes in favor and 14,467 against, according to the Normandy Park Blog. The technology levy, Proposition 2, had 23,276 yes votes to 16,411 no votes in the same count. Both measures had grown their margins since the previous day’s tally, as The Highline Journal reported, noting that “both increased their support from Thursday’s count.”
An earlier district update had put the numbers lower, with 62.73% support for the bond and 58.10% for the technology levy, according to Highline Public Schools. The movement between that initial count and the November 6 figures reflects additional ballots being processed, though the results won’t be final until King County certifies them on November 24.
What the Bond and Levy Would Fund
Highline proposed the $595.4 million construction bond, labeled Proposition 1, alongside a four-year, $48 million technology levy, labeled Proposition 2, according to Highline Public Schools. The bond would replace both Sylvester Middle School and Cascade Middle School, partially rebuild and modernize Chinook Middle School, and renovate the former Southern Heights Elementary School site into a new home for CHOICE Academy.
The package also sets aside $40 million for districtwide roof, plumbing, and safety system improvements, per the district. Separately, the bond would fund design work for future projects at Valley View Early Learning Center and Hilltop Elementary School. Highline credited its Capital Facilities Advisory Committee with helping shape the overall package.
The technology levy, meanwhile, would generate $12 million a year for four years, according to the district’s frequently asked questions page. The money would resume local funding for student and staff devices, classroom technology, instructional software, internet and wireless networks, cybersecurity, data protection, and technical support, the district said, and would also help pay for systems used for transportation, communication, and daily school operations.
Different Thresholds, Different Rules
The two measures face different bars for passage. The technology levy needed support from more than 50% of voters and carries no turnout requirement, while the construction bond needed at least 60% approval and is also subject to a separate turnout requirement — at least 40% of the ballots cast in the district’s previous general election, according to Highline Public Schools.
Highline Superintendent Dr. Ivan Duran wrote that the district is “deeply grateful for continued community investment in students and schools,” and said the district “takes seriously the trust voters place in it.” The district separately said it was grateful for the community’s continued support of Highline students and schools.
A Track Record From the Last Bond
Highline has pointed to its 2016 bond as evidence of its construction track record, saying projects funded through that measure were completed on time and $10 million under budget, according to the district. A separate Highline bond plan described on the district’s website also called for replacing Pacific Middle School and funding repairs and improvements at other older schools across the district.
For now, both the bond and the levy remain in unofficial territory. Final results won’t be locked in until King County certifies the election on November 24, closing out a count that has shifted in favor of both measures over the past several days.
