Wenatchee school bond short of 60% in early count

WENATCHEE – The measure had 7,292 yes votes and 5,333 no votes, according to unofficial results posted by Chelan County Elections at 8:31 p.m. Nov. 3.

Countywide, 25,571 ballots had been counted, a turnout of 46.3% of the county's 55,184 registered voters.

Chelan County Elections will keep counting ballots in the coming days, including mailed ballots postmarked by Election Day, and results can change. The county is scheduled to certify the election Nov. 24.

Proposition 1 would authorize $275 million in 20-year general obligation bonds, repaid through property taxes, to build a new Wenatchee High School on the existing campus and replace heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems at seven schools. The district says approval would also qualify it for an estimated $83 million in state matching money.

School bonds in Washington need a 60% supermajority to pass, and turnout must reach at least 40% of the district's turnout in the last general election to validate the result.

Supporters say the 1972 high school's aging systems can't filter wildfire smoke or cool the building, forcing lost school days, and that the plan saves more than $20 million by reusing the gyms, pool and auditorium. Opponents argue the debt, which they put at about $440 million with interest, is unjustified as district enrollment has dropped by more than 1,300 students since 2015.

Voters rejected a $120 million bond to remodel and expand Wenatchee High School in 2018 with 57% approval, short of the 60% required.