Brewster, Bridgeport school levies too close to call

BREWSTER – The second count of election results from the Okanogan and Douglas County auditors’ offices for Friday, Feb. 16, show all but two of the school levies on the ballots passing with 50-plus-1 percent or better. 

BREWSTER

Following the preliminary results on Feb. 13, Brewster, with 50.13 percent approval, needed some help from Okanogan voters to reach the required 50-plus-1 passing margin. While Brewster picked up some support from Okanogan voters (51.83%), it lost support from the Douglas County contingent. The first Douglas results showed 55.7 percent of those voters opposed the Brewster measure and 44.3 percent in favor. The second count now shows that the margin has widened to 60-40. That loss more than offsets the Okanogan gain and puts Brewster below the required winning margin.

“We remain cautiously optimistic as our voters usually pull through for our students at levy time,” said Brewster school district superintendent Lynnette Blackburn.

Following an assessment of last Friday’s updated count, Blackburn released the following advisory to school staff.

The recent replacement levy vote results came in at 2:30 today. The auditor’s office told us we are at a 49.82 percent not passing. We had a total of 139 less voters than usual. There is a discrepancy in three of our votes, so the auditors are saying that even if they came in as a yes, we would be about 50 % yes and 50 % no on the vote. This is a close race, and I am receiving all kinds of advice to run the levy again in April.

As we look ahead to the upcoming April vote, let's remember why this levy matters. It's about maintaining the quality of education that our students deserve. It's about ensuring they have the resources, support, and facilities needed to thrive and reach their fullest potential.

Every vote counts, and every voice matters. Let's come together once again to show our unwavering commitment to our children's future. By voting on the Brewster Replacement levy, we are not just investing in buildings and programs; we are investing in the promise of tomorrow. Please vote again in April as the levy is crucial in maintaining the current level of support we have for our students. Encourage your coworkers and parents of students to have their voice heard.

Together, let's continue to support our students, our schools, and our community. Please vote in April and let's keep Brewster schools moving forward.

BRIDGEPORT

Bridgeport’s 53.42 percent approval after the preliminary count has dwindled to 50.77 percent as of the Friday, Feb. 16, second count. 

Okanogan County's margin is 57.14 percent in favor and 42.86 percent among seven votes counted.

“We are being cautiously optimistic about the levy results,” said Superintendent Scott Sattler after the initial counts were released. “When you look at the combined county results, we are sitting at 53.5 percent passing and only ahead by 11 votes. I think we will wait until Friday (Feb. 16) before we decide to celebrate. Bridgeport has a long tradition of supporting the school levy, so I am very hopeful the favorable vote holds.”

The combined county votes have reduced the 11-vote lead to three.

Levies for Mansfield, Nespelem, Waterville, Omak. Methow Valley, Tonasket, and Oroville are all at or above 55 percent passage.

Mike Maltais: 360-333-8483 or michael@ward.media