Peninsula School District Levy Passing With 57 Percent

The voters in the Peninsula School District were approving the Educational Programs and Operations levy with nearly 58 percent tonight as the Pierce County Auditor's Office released the initial results from Tuesday's special election. About 42 percent voted against the levy.

The County has counted 45,260 ballots so far with an estimated 38.4 percent voter turnout.

"Great news," Superintendent Terry Bouck wrote in an email to parents and community members Tuesday night. "Thank you for all of your support and hard work.  The success of this levy will ensure staff and students the quality of working and learning environments you deserve."

The measure in Tuesday’s mail-in election would cost the owner of a $300,000 house about $60 more a year in property taxes next year.

The $87 million Educational Programs and Operations levy, which will be used to keep schools running over the next four years, requires just 50 percent plus one to pass.

According to a , 61 percent or 24 votes showed support for the levy, while 38 percent or 15 votes were against the measure.

The County has about 20 ballots left to count and will finalize the results on Feb. 28. It will update the results at 4 p.m. on Thursday.