Correction: In the print version of this article, the subhead reported that there are failing fire panels. This is incorrect; some fire panels are decades old, but are not currently failing. The subhead has been updated.

It appears the Enumclaw and Black Diamond communities have again resoundingly rejected an Enumclaw School District property tax proposal to tackle facility repairs and upgrades.

It was clear that ESD’s Prop. 1 was in trouble as soon as the April 22 initial election results came in around 8 p.m., with more than 54.5% of the 6,005 votes rejecting the measure, a property tax of 37 cents per $1,000 in assessed property value to address what the district has said was “critical maintenance.”

The revenue from the tax, capped at $3 million per year for four years, would have addressed 32 various projects around the district, like repairing constantly-leaking roofs at Byron Kibler Elementary, updating 1960s-era fire panels at Southwood Elementary, and replacing 1980s-era hot water heaters at Enumclaw Middle School.

The numbers barely budged by April 25, with a total of 8,465 votes counted (close to 38% of ESD’s 22,406 registered voters). And with the April 28 update adding only 16 votes to the total count, it seems virtually impossible for the levy to pass (though the election won’t be certified until May 2).

“While the preliminary results of our recent Capital Levy have not met the required threshold for passage, I want to take a moment to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you. Your participation, your voices, and your support—whether through voting, sharing information, or championing the needs of our schools—have meant so much to our district,” Superintendent Dr. Shaun Carey wrote in a district-wide letter, noting that this levy fared better than the previous two bond measures ESD put to the public. “… Although this result means we will need to address our facility needs much more gradually than planned, our vision remains firm. We will continue to provide the best possible learning conditions for our students and staff—because our work is about more than buildings. It’s about people, purpose, and preparing the next generation.”

The school district has had a hard time finding support to build new facilities and address deficiencies in older buildings.

In 2023, district voters rejected a bond measure to build a new Black Diamond and Enumclaw elementary school — as well as a new performing arts center and sports field — by more than 75%.

Another bond measure in 2024, this time just for a new Enumclaw elementary school, also failed with 63% of voters rejecting the proposal.

The reactions to the failed levy seemed to split into three camps — some are lamenting the community’s decision to allow students to be taught in sub-par conditions; others believe the district can address the repairs without asking for tax money; and still more who may even support the idea of the levy, but feel they cannot in the current economy.

“Well, keep on moving those pants around to collect rainwater off the roof inside the classrooms. And when the schools don’t have any heat cause the bowlers [sic] don’t work and your children are cold don’t be complaining or whining,” one Facebook comment reads. “Good job, Enumclaw. The magic money fairy will fix everything. Just like it does when your car needs maintenance or breaks down.”

“This is why people are saying no. Enumclaw school district taxes upon King County and state[.] But initially, when you add the new levy to the total property taxes the district collects, the total tax rate rises from $2.71 to $3.08 per $1,000 in APV. Annually, that’s an increase from $1,628 to $1,848,” another reads, quoting an older Courier-Herald article about the levy’s effects on total property taxes.

“Let’s be clear: this isn’t about confusion or misinformation. The message from the community is simple. We’re done funding bloated administration while student outcomes decline. We’re tired of seeing over $17,000 spent per student with little to show for it. We won’t be guilted into higher taxes without real accountability. We expect budget cuts, not blank checks. We want administrative salaries trimmed, not expanded,” reads a third post. “Enumclaw residents aren’t anti-education. We’re anti-waste, anti-spin, and pro-accountability. Get the message. Fix the system.”

With this new failed proposal, the district and its supporters may have its work cut out for them when it comes to presenting two additional levy renewals later this year.

As of last March, the district was aiming to pass resolutions this November to renew its four-year Educational Programs and Operations Levy and six-year Capital Tech Levy.

The former funds about 13% of the district’s operating budget and is used to fund educational programs and staff not paid for by the state like arts and athletics, maintenance of playgrounds, and even security and nurses. The last levy renewal (which means it’s not a new tax, but the continuance of one) passed with a little more than 51% approval in 2022.

The latter funds tech purchases, repairs, and upgrades like purchasing laptops for students and maintaining district infrastructure. This last levy renewal passed in 2020 with more than 56% approval.