School funding measures failing in Arlington, Lake Stevens and Sultan

In the recent election on November 5, 2024, voters in Snohomish County rejected three vital school funding measures, posing significant challenges for local education. The proposed capital levy for a new middle school in Arlington failed to gain traction, securing only 44. 6% of the necessary votes. Similarly, a substantial bond measure in Lake Stevens, aimed at funding a new elementary school and upgrading existing facilities, received 56. 2% approval but did not meet the 60% threshold required for passage.

The urgent need for infrastructure improvements was underscored by the conditions at Glenwood Elementary, where classrooms are inadequately separated by curtains and lack proper doors. Sultan also faced a setback, with its funding proposal receiving only 46. 9% support. This funding failure comes at a time when the district is experiencing an 18% population increase and a 9. 7% rise in enrollment over the past eight years.

The inability to secure these funds raises serious concerns about the long-term viability of educational infrastructure in these rapidly growing communities. As more results are anticipated in the coming days, the implications for local education are profound and concerning.