Who won Meridian Library seats in Tuesday’s election? Did West Ada levy pass? Results here
After a contentious few months for libraries in Ada County, all library trustee incumbents who ran for reelection Tuesday kept their seats.
In Meridian, where there was a failed attempt to dissolve the library district earlier this year, trustee incumbents Josh Cummings and Destinie Hart each prevailed with more than 68% of the vote. And in Ada County, two candidates who ran together as the “conservative choice” were defeated.
“This election sends a strong message that Meridian residents value our public libraries and reject censorship,” Hart said in an emailed statement. “Voters across the political spectrum agree that libraries should serve our whole community. I look forward to focusing on the important work of the library district and hope that we can put the issue of censorship and book banning to rest.”
Also on the ballots in the Treasure Valley were the largest levy in Idaho history for the West Ada School District and a bond for the Vallivue School District. Both districts are facing significant growth and overcrowding in existing schools.
The West Ada School District needed 55% of the vote to pass its $50 million levy but only received 42%, according to results from the Ada and Canyon County clerks’ offices.
The levy would have funded new schools and renovations for the next 10 years.
Across county lines, the Vallivue School District’s bond passed with 71% of voters supporting it.
Vallivue’s bond, for $78 million, will help the district build two new elementary schools and repair and renovate existing schools and school buildings, including a new roof and HVAC system at Vallivue High School and East Canyon Elementary School, according to the ballot bond question. It would also aid the district in purchasing land for future schools.
“As educators, we are thrilled to know we have the confidence of our families to pass a bond that will positively impact our community for generations to come,” said Joey Palmer, spokesperson for the district. ”It is no small feat to pass a bond in Idaho with the required supermajority, so to have voters pass the bond with 71% approval is a huge testament to the confidence our community puts in our efforts to serve the children in Vallivue.”
Vallivue tried to pass bonds in the last two elections, both of which failed.
Across the state, 18 school districts ran school funding questions Tuesday, and 16 out of the 19 total ballot measures passed, according to Idaho EdNews. The Coeur d’Alene School District passed a $50 million levy, which would be dedicated to teacher compensation, maintenance and transportation. The Emmett School District passed two supplemental levies, one for $1.2 million, which would be for a new school roof, and $800,000 for elementary school counselors, coaches, teachers and support staff.
Below are the Ada and Canyon County election results, according to the clerks’ offices:
West Ada School District plant facilities levy ($50 million)
Against: 16,059 (57.5%)
In favor: 11,858 (42.5%)
Note: Includes votes from eligible Canyon County voters, as reported by the Canyon County Elections Department.
Ada County Free Library District trustees
Four-year term:
Sandra B. Taylor: 2,618 (57.2%)
Deborah A. Pogue: 1,961 (42.8%)
Six-year term:
Mary Anne Saunders: 2,334 (50.2%)
Reneé L. Trommler: 1,568 (33.8%)
Melodie C. Huttash: 743 (16%)
Kuna Library District trustee
Barb Powell: 488 (58.1%)
Teresa Haldorson: 352 (41.9%)
Note: Includes votes from eligible Canyon County voters, as reported by the Canyon County Elections Department.
Meridian Library District trustees
Four-year term:
Josh Cummings: 8,402 (68.3%)
David J. Tizekker: 3,906 (31.7%)
Six-year term:
Destinie Hart: 8,514 (68.4%)
Xavier Torres: 3,928 (31.6%)
Eagle Sewer District director, two seats
Steve Bender: 1,932 (37.9%)
Terry Loftus: 1,915 (37.6%)
Tillie Reed: 1,248 (24.5%)
Boise Warm Springs Water District director
Mary K Aucutt: 43 (63.2%)
Scott Peterson: 25 (36.8%)
Golden Gate Highway District commissioner
Fred Sarceda: 320 (57.7%)
Bree Walker: 235 (42.3%)
Vallivue School District special general obligation bond
In favor: 3,589 (71.2%)
Against: 1,451 (28.8%)
Parma School District two-year supplemental levy
In favor: 306 (63.9%)
Against: 173 (36.1%)
