KPLU Local News
(2010-02-10)
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Seattle Schools Superintendent Maria Goodloe-Johnson reacts as vote totals are announced. February 9, 2010.
Gary Davis photo.
In Seattle, supporters cheered the results for levy Propositions 1 & 2. Each got 71% of the vote. Superintendent Maria Goodloe-Johnson says the results are a shot in arm.
"I would like to think that it's increased confidence with our parents and our schools and the work that we're doing and the focus. Really the city has always had a huge commitment to public education. You put all that together and you get the kind of approval you got tonight."
In King County, the Federal Way district had the only failing levy, but the margin is slim, and the vote count could swing either way in the coming days.
Voters produced similar results in Pierce County, where levies in Tacoma, Bethel and Puyallup passed with solid margins. The same was true for Everett and Edmonds in Snohomish County.
The overwhelming number of successful campaigns is being touted by some as a sign the legislature should put a tax package before voters this year to ward off further cuts to education. Lisa Macfarlane with the school reform advocacy group League of Education Voters says the election results offer clear direction.
"Voters want their schools invested in. They want quality public schools. State lawmakers should hear a message that our public schools are our future."
Lawmakers may not the results as a voter mandate. Turnouts were relatively low - averaging between 25 to 35 percent in most districts. Their next step will be patching a two and a half billion dollar deficit, one with more budget woes for schools. Gary Davis, KPLU News, Seattle.
For Election Results:
King County
Pierce County
Thurston County
Snohomish County
Kitsap County
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