WSSDA President Cindy McMullen today praised the state Legislature for approving a proposed constitutional amendment that would eliminate the supermajority requirement for voter approval of school district special levies.

"This is a historic moment for public education in our state," said McMullen, a member of the Central Valley (Spokane) School Board. "At long last, Washington voters will have an opportunity to decide if school district special levies should be approved by a simple majority."

On Thursday, the state Senate voted to send the issue to the November ballot by approving a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow school district special levies to be approved by a simple majority of those voting. Under provisions adopted in 1944, school district finance measures must now receive a 60 percent supermajority to be adopted.

In numerous elections, local school levies have received a majority vote only to fail because of the supermajority requirement.

All amendments to the constitution must be approved by a two-thirds vote of the Legislature and a simple majority vote of the people at a state general election. WSSDA, along with many other education organizations, has been a longtime advocate of sending the issue to the voters.

"It’s been 60 years since voters have had a chance to weigh in on this issue," said McMullen. "During that time, special levies have become a critical component of public school financing in our state. We are absolutely delighted that the question is going to the ballot this fall."