Parkrose students lauded for levy outreach as board awaits final count

The Parkrose School District 3 board on Thursday recognized dozens of students, parents and volunteers who canvassed for a local levy and said the final vote count remained too close to call.

Board members invited student volunteers to the front of the meeting to thank them for door-to-door outreach and phone banking that narrowed the levy margin. “You made a difference,” the chair said while describing the campaign’s grassroots effort. Several students described canvassing as a meaningful way to support schools and community programs.

Deacon, a junior at Parkhurst High School, thanked volunteers but told the board he had not heard a concrete plan for what happens if the levy does not pass. “I have great concern…we are contingent on the yes, and if we don't get the yes, I don't know what the school looks like,” he said, asking the board to share contingency plans for programs and his fellow students.

District leaders acknowledged the need for clarity and said budgeting and advocacy work would begin immediately. Superintendent (speaking during the meeting) told students the district was preparing for advocacy to state leaders and reminded the board that the governor’s proposed budget, due in about two weeks, could affect state school funding.

The board also reported the district was roughly 150 votes behind at the time of the meeting, with about 1,400 ballots still uncounted and several challenge ballots (including signature fixes) outstanding. Officials said the county’s Wednesday update would provide a final picture for certification and that staff would continue outreach and monitoring.

The meeting closed with continued thanks to campaign leaders, school staff and parents; board members invited students to participate in future advocacy meetings with legislators.

The board did not take a formal vote related to the levy at the meeting; certification of the election results is handled by the county election division.