Chimacum School District 49's Proposition 1 to renew its levy passed with a 57.68 percent “yes” vote and a 42.32 of the vote as “no.” 

In the unofficial results from the Jefferson County Courthouse, a total of 4,341 total votes were cast for the level, not including the 192 undervotes.

Undervotes are defined as ballots not counted because of unclear marking by the voters.

Chimacum Schools Superintendent Rick Thompson said capital facilities support expenses, such as those that would be covered by the replacement levy, are not covered by the Washington Supreme Court's McCleary decision in 2012, which ordered the state legislature “to make ample provision for the education of all children residing within its borders,” as per the Washington State Constitution.

“Those fall to the local voters,” Thompson said.

The levy would collect $7.95 million of the $50 million in total needs that MENG Analysis has identified over the course of the next 20 years.Thompson explained that, because of declining enrollment, the district doesn't expect it will need as much square footage, so it's aiming to reduce its footprint by consolidating into its most well-maintained facilities, and upholding their upkeep.

Thompson agreed the district has no need for new buildings but asserted it does need to maintain the facilities its families have already invested in, addressing everything from roofing and flooring to electrical systems, fire alarms and up-to-date technology.