EVERETT – The Arlington school district’s $96 million bond to pay for school construction and security improvements is failing for a third time in early ballot counts in Tuesday’s special election.

Among 7,596 votes tallied by Thursday, the bond received 3,989 “yes” votes for 52.5 percent against 3,607 “no” votes, or 47.4 percent, well short of the 60 percent supermajority necessary to pass.

Superintendent Chrys Sweeting said the early returns were disheartening, but district staff will continue to monitor counts through the rest of the week.

“We are grateful for the people who got out to vote despite the weather,” Sweeting said. “If the percentages stay much the same, we’ll try to find some of way to get input from community members about what we can do to work through of the needs.”

Bond dollars would replace aging Post Middle School, add a new eight-classroom wing at Arlington High School, technology and arts workshops also at the high school, safety and security improvements at every school, a fire sprinkler system for Eagle Creek Elementary, traffic safety improvements for pickup/dropoff areas at Eagle Creek and Kent Prairie elementaries, and heating and ventilation system improvements where needed.

The total local schools tax rate upon bond approval, which includes the $1.50 state education levy, would be lower than the 2018 rate – $2.92 down from $4.68 per $1,000 valuation.