The Lewis County Auditor’s Office will announce unofficial preliminary results for the Feb. 11 special election at around 8:15 p.m. Tuesday.
County certification of the election is scheduled for 9 a.m., Feb. 21, according to the auditor’s office.
In a news release, Lewis County Auditor’s Office Election Manager Jolene Manuel reminded voters that many counties across the state will upload results simultaneously, which may cause delays, and that voters should “be patient and keep checking.”
Voters can call the elections office with questions at 740-1278 or toll free within Lewis County at 1-800-562-6130, ext. 1278.
The special election includes seven levies for school districts within Lewis County and one fire district proposition that would merge Fire Protection District No. 17 in Lewis County with Pierce County Fire Protection District No. 23.
More information on ballot measures can be found below or at https://elections.lewiscountywa.gov/current-election/.
The ballot measures:
• Castle Rock School District Educational Program and Operations Replacement Levy: If passed, this measure would replace the Castle Rock School District’s existing levy, which expires at the end of 2025, with a new three-year levy that would allow the district to collect up to $3,397,250 in property taxes in 2026, $3,635,000 in 2027, and $3,889,500 in 2028. The estimated levy rate would be $1.72 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2026, $1.75 in 2027 and $1.79 in 2028. Funds would be used to maintain current programs and services, support staff and fund student programs such as athletics, music, art, drama and field trips.
“With over 1,373 students enrolled, Castle Rock Schools need the support of the community to continue providing quality education,” Castle Rock School District levy committee member Paula Szczerba states in a letter to voters. “The state does not fully fund the education our children receive. Without this levy, critical programs that our students rely on will be at risk.”
Szcezerba said the district will provide the community with regular updates on how levy funding is being spent.
“Castle Rock’s schools are the heart of our community. They provide our children with the foundation they need to succeed, and in turn, help our community thrive,” Szczerba said. “By voting ‘yes,’ you are investing in our children’s future.”
The measure requires a simple majority to pass.
The Castle Rock School District is located in both Lewis and Cowlitz counties.
• Evaline School District Replacement Educational Programs and Operations Levy: If passed, this measure would replace the Evaline School District’s existing levy, which expires at the end of 2025, with a new two-year levy that would allow the district to collect up to $269,000 in property taxes in 2026 and 2027. The estimated levy rate would be $0.92 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2026 and $0.88 in 2027. The funding would pay part of the cost of educational programs and operations within the Evaline School District, such as class size reduction, after school activities, music, technology upgrades, and other operations not funded by the state.
The measure requires a simple majority to pass.
• Napavine School District Replacement Educational Programs and Operations Levy: If passed, this measure would replace the Napavine School District’s existing levy, which expires at the end of 2025, with a new three-year levy that allows the district to collect $1,427,536 in property taxes in 2026, $1,498,913 in 2027, and $1,573,858 in 2028. The estimated levy rate would be $1.55 per $1,000 of assessed value for all three years.
The levy would be used to fund Napavine School District education programs and operations that are not fully funded by the state, such as staffing to reduce class sizes, transportation, technology upgrades, maintenance, special education programs, after school programs and extracurriculars.
The measure requires a simple majority to pass.
• Onalaska School District Educational Programs and Operation Replacement Levy: If passed, this measure would replace the Onalaska School District’s existing levy, which expires at the end of 2025, with a new three-year levy that would allow the district to collect up to $1,891,440 in property taxes in 2026, $1,948,184 in 2027 and $2,006,629 in 2028. The estimated levy rate would be $1.25 per $1,000 of assessed value for all three years.
The levy would be used to fund Onalaska School District education programs and operations that are not fully funded by the state, such as athletics and activities, health and counseling services, student transportation costs, technology staffing, equipment improvements, staff professional development and training, special education costs, utilities maintenance, preschool programs, and enhanced security measures.
The measure requires a simple majority to pass.
• Pe Ell School District Replacement Educational Programs and Operation Levy: If passed, this measure would replace the Pe Ell School District’s existing levy, which expires at the end of 2025, with a new two-year levy that would allow the district to collect $480,000 in property taxes in 2026 and 2027. The estimated levy rate would be $1.12 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2026 and $1.08 in 2027.
The levy would be used to fund Pe Ell School District education programs and operations that are not fully funded by the state, such as athletics and activities, student food, health and counseling services, student transportation costs, technology improvements, STEM programs, professional development and training for staff, infrastructure costs and special education costs.
The measure requires a simple majority to pass.
• White Pass School District School Programs and Operations Replacement Levy: If passed, this measure would replace the White Pass School District’s existing levy, which expires at the end of 2025, with a new four-year levy that would allow the district to collect $1,197,644 in property taxes in 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029. The estimated levy rate would be $0.79 per $1,000 of assessed value all four years.
The funding would be used to cover White Pass School District education program and operation expenses that are not fully covered by the state, such as teachers, support staff, technology, curriculum, athletics, facility maintenance and operations.
The measure requires a simple majority to pass.
• Winlock School District Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy: If passed, the measure would replace the Winlock School District’s existing levy, which expires at the end of 2025, with a new three-year levy that would allow the district to collect $1,680,000 in property taxes in 2026, $1,900,00 in 2027 and $2,100,000 in 2028. The estimated levy rate would be $1.27 per $1,000 of assessed value for all three years.
The levy would be used to fund Winlock School District education programs and operation expenses that are not fully covered by the state, such as extracurricular programs, special education, staffing costs, classroom technology, academic and behavioral support, student safety and security, and general maintenance and equipment costs.
The measure requires a simple majority to pass.
