Together Spokane parks levy and school bond appear to narrowly pass on election night

Voters approved the city parks’ $240 million levy, and the conjoined Spokane Public Schools’ $200 million bond had a slim lead after initial election results came in Tuesday.

Election night results indicate 54.8% of voters support the parks levy and 60.8% endorsed the school bond. Levies need a simple majority to pass, while bonds need 60%.

Though two separate tax proposals, the entities partnered to accomplish more projects for less overall tax collection. Projects like a replaced Madison Elementary with a school-community hub are only possible if both measures pass.

Parks-only projects like the hiring of more park rangers, building new parks and upgrading bathrooms can come to fruition with only the levy passing.

School initiatives, like replacing the district’s oldest school, Adams