OLYMPIA, Wash. - As lawmakers try to find way to fund schools despite a $2.6 billion budget deficit, many districts are looking to voters for money.
Across the state, 165 school districts are asking voters to support levies to increase maintenance and operations budgets.
In other elections, 11 districts are trying to pass construction bonds, 32 districts are seeking capital improvement levies, and four are looking for new transportation funding.
About two-thirds of the state's districts are seeking levy funding this year.
In the North Thurston School District in Lacey, courses like Chris Traber's dance class could be canceled if the levy fails.
Dance student and seventh grader Dominique Greeno has been campaigning for voters to support the levy so her dance class can survive.
"Dancing's a better way of expressing yourself and learning through physical education," said Greeno.
One anti-tax advocate told KING 5 News he voted against the North Thurston levy.
"I've seen a huge drop in income, who's going to subsidize me?" asked Ken Morse, organizer of the "Olympia T.E.A. Party."
T.E.A. stands for "Taxed Enough Already."
Morse said he supports schools and education, but said now is not the time for districts to be asking for money.
"We all need to tighten our belts," said Morse. "Not just us, but schools included."
