Washougal school levies passing in early returns

Washougal’s school funding measures were prevailing in early election returns Tuesday night.

Proposition 14 received 2,757 “yes” votes (58.46 percent) to 1,959 “no” votes (41.54 percent), and Proposition 15 received 2,742 “yes” votes (58.12 percent) to 1,976 “no” votes (41.88 percent), according to Clark and Skamania counties’ elections offices.

“I certainly am feeling good about this level of support at this point,” Washougal School District Superintendent Aaron Hansen said on Tuesday night. “We’ve been communicating that there’s a local responsibility (to fund schools through levies), and I think this result is a recognition that people understand that.”

Proposition 14 is a $32.4 million educational programs and operations renewal levy.

Proposition 15 is a $10.3 million safety, technology and capital improvements renewal levy.

They replace levies that expire at the end of 2026.

The educational programs and operations levy will collect $1.99 per $1,000 assessed property value in 2026 and $1.95 in 2027, 2028 and 2029.

The operations levy will continue funding a variety of staff positions and educational programs, including health and safety staff; instructional support; arts, music and drama; athletics and after-school activities; learning technology; Advanced Placement and highly capable programs; and operations and maintenance.

The capital levy will collect 85 cents per $1,000 assessed property value in 2026 and 62 cents in 2027, 2028 and 2029.

The capital levy funds school safety improvements; heating and cooling systems; repairs to playground and parking areas; carpet and drywall repairs; instructional technology; and updates to athletic and performing arts spaces.

With both levies in place, the owner of a $636,000 home will pay $151 per month in 2026 and $142 per month in 2027, according to the district.

“We had a level of transparency,” Hansen said. “We tried to be very clear with the purpose, the ask, the recognition that everyone is challenged right now with the cost of living and that we understand that. But we also said that this school district is so important to this community, and the work that is happening every day is vital.”