Pasco bond fails, all other districts including Richland pass

Pasco's bond failed, but other schools in the region, including Richland looked to have passed.

Pasco School District's bond reached only 54% or 4,086 voters in support of the bond, falling short of the needed 60% majority. In order to be validated the district needed 8,235 votes to be turned in and officials say they fell short on that number as well.

Superintendent Michelle Whitney says one option the district may recommend is using MGT of America, a consulting firm, which is currently drafting a 10-20 year master plan.

"Now in the face of the bond election results from last night, we can also engage them in helping us plan in the nearer future around the next bond election if that be what the board chooses to do," says Whitney.

Whitney says the next opportunity to place a bond on the ballot will be in April.

Richland School District's bond passed and been validated after another count Wednesday. The district squeaked by with 849 votes more than needed to validate the election and 61% of voters in support.

Othello School District's replacement levy, Finley, Prosser, Grandview and Columbia School District's bonds all looked to have passed in the special election.

Bond elections require a super majority of more than 60% approval to pass, unlike levies which only require a simple majority. Each school district also requires a voter turnout equal or exceeding 40% of the number of voters who voted in the November general election.

The Secretary of State certifies final results on February 27, 2017.