It was a very good day for the Mercer Island School District when the first results were posted from the Feb. 11 special election.

With two important measures on the ballot, Mercer Island voters overwhelmingly approved the $98.8 million bond proposition and the replacement maintenance and operations levy.

“The Mercer Island School Board extends its deep appreciation to the entire Mercer Island community for showing such support for the bond and levy,” said Mercer Island School District Superintendent Dr. Gary Plano.

“Our teachers, administrators and support staff are thankful to members of this community for showing confidence in us and in our ability to provide a high-quality, public school education to our students.”

For Proposition No. 1, $98.8 million general obligation bond, 74 percent of voters approved with 6,135 votes, while 2,156 voted against. For Proposition No. 2, the replacement educational maintenance and operations levy, 76.7 percent of voters approved with 6,353 votes, while 1,926 voted against. At press time, of the 17,473 registered voters, 8,325 ballots were counted, or 47.6 percent of registered voters. Validation requirements for Proposition No. 1 were a 60 percent yes vote and minimum turnout of 3,852, while Proposition No. 2 needed simple majority.

In the school board meeting following the election, board president Janet Frohnmayer said she was happy not only that the bond passed, but also because of the way it passed, noting the high approval numbers. Board members thanked voters and the Mercer Island community, with board member Pat Braman noting that a number of districts passed bonds, but not with the numbers Mercer Island had.

Superintendent Plano said it was an amazing, astounding vote of confidence in Mercer Island schools and the school board.

In a release sent out shortly after election results came in, Plano said the District plans to release more information regarding the three construction projects in the coming weeks and months.