South Kitsap’s $72.6 million school levy was trailing by 1,037 votes Friday, leaving funding for elementary school security cameras, student computers and athletic field upgrades in doubt.
Proposition 1 had 16,893 votes against it (51.58%) and 15,856 in favor (48.42%), according to Kitsap County’s Nov. 6 count. The measure needs a simple majority to pass. The results are unofficial.
What the Levy Would Pay For
For families at Burley Glenwood Elementary and East Port Orchard Elementary, the proposal includes changes to improve traffic and parking access.
Across the district, the South Kitsap School District’s project list calls for new security cameras at elementary schools, upgraded intercoms and entrance controls, and improvements to school bus radios.
The district would also replace devices students use for classwork and testing, maintain classroom equipment such as document cameras and displays, and upgrade its technology infrastructure and cybersecurity.
Some of the most visible changes would be at South Kitsap High School. The district wants to replace the gym bleachers, improve accessibility and renovate the theater with new lighting, seating and sound equipment.
It also proposes replacing grass with synthetic turf on the school’s baseball and softball fields.
At Marcus Whitman Middle School, the plan calls for synthetic turf on the soccer and football field and the baseball and softball fields, along with parking and accessibility improvements.
What It Would Cost Property Owners
The ballot resolution calls for collecting about $23.5 million in 2027, $24.2 million in 2028 and $24.9 million in 2029.
The district estimates the levy would cost $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value. At that rate, a home assessed at $500,000 would owe about $750 a year, or roughly $63 a month, for this levy.
Proposition 1 is separate from the educational programs and operations levy that South Kitsap voters renewed in 2025. That levy runs through 2029 and would remain in place if Proposition 1 fails.
What Happens if the Levy Fails?
If the result holds, South Kitsap won’t collect the proposed $72.6 million. The district would need another source of money to carry out the projects as proposed.
Its published levy materials lay out what the money would buy, but give no project-by-project fallback plan.
The Kitsap County Canvassing Board is scheduled to certify the election on Nov. 24.