King County Elections has published first-night results – and both Seattle Public Schools levies are winning in a big way. They only require a simple majority, but each so far has at least 71% yes votes. See the results here. Of note for those who live in (currently) unincorporated King County areas, such as White Center, the King County Library System levy is passing narrowly, with 50.5% yes. (Results from elsewhere in King County are here; the next round of numbers will be released around 4:30 tomorrow.) 9:56 PM UPDATE: Seattle Public Schools’ communications team has sent out a “thank you” news release on the district’s behalf – read on:

Based on the initial ballot count released by King County Elections this evening, Seattle’s voters showed very strong support for the renewal of two school district levies. If the trend continues as all votes are counted, both levies will be approved.

“On behalf of the 46,000 students served by Seattle Public Schools, I want to express my gratitude to Seattle voters,” said Superintendent Maria L. Goodloe-Johnson, Ph.D. “We need the support and collaboration of our entire community to reach the goal we have for our students – that they graduate from high school ready for college, careers and life. The consistent strong approval for Seattle levies is just one of the many ways in which our community shows that support.”

With 96,339 ballots counted, unofficial returns show the 3-year, $442.7M Operations Levy winning support from 71.8 percent of voters, and the $270M, 6-year capital levy, Buildings, Technology and Academics III, garnering support from 71.4 percent of voters. “I especially want to thank Schools First and the incredible corps of volunteers – family members, PTSA groups, and staff members chief among them — who worked tirelessly to ensure passage of the levies – and success for Seattle’s students.”

The $442.7 million Operations Levy represents nearly one quarter of the District’s general fund budget and pays for important educational services, including teachers and instructional assistants, full-day kindergarten, a sixth period at high school, and a variety of student activities. The $270 million capital levy funds projects that will benefit every school in the system and help ensure a safe, secure learning environment for every student. Repairs and upgrades will be made to roofs, life safety and mechanical systems; to science and computer facilities; and to technology systems and equipment that support teaching and learning. Several projects will improve energy efficiency. The levy also provides funds to make the necessary repairs to open five buildings to meet growing student enrollment and support the new attendance-area based student assignment plan.