Coupeville School District voters followed their historic pattern of passing all money issues that come before them, but the percentage of support in the Feb. 7 election should prompt some soul searching among school officials.

Coupeville’s levy passed with just under 64 percent of the vote. In most elections 64 percent is considered a landslide, but not in the supermajority environment of Washington state school elections. That’s only four percent above the failing point, which is reason for concern.

Coupeville school support is usually 70 percent or higher, and usually matches or exceeds that found on South Whidbey. But this year, South Whidbey’s school support was much stronger, with two proposals there garnering over 71 percent of the vote.

Observers can only surmise that there has been some negative reaction to the Coupeville High School bond election in May 2004. That $22.8 million request proved insufficient to get the job done, as planners had not figured in enough for high inflation in the construction industry. As a result, the high school will be smaller than advertised, and associated projects will be delayed or even cut. Officials are now nervously awaiting the high school construction bids which are expected next month. It’s possible even more will have to be cut if bids are higher than expected.

There’s no doubt Coupeville voters still strongly support their schools. But the election results show that even strong support can suffer when planning goes awry.