EPHRATA — Voters approved a replacement maintenance and operation levy to support school programs in Ephrata Tuesday.

The proposed levy, expected to generate $6.2 million in two years, passed by 60.58 percent.

The number of “yes” votes was 1,480 and the number of “no” votes was 963, according to a preliminary count.

“This is a real strong, supportive community of Ephrata School District, and we just want to thank our patrons for passing the levy,” said District Superintendent Jerry Simon.

The estimated collection rate for 2010 is $4.75 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

Because the levy passed, the district is eligible to receive an estimated additional $1.4 million each year from the state in levy equalization funds, according to the district.

Combined, the levy and equalization funds account for 19 percent of operating revenue for the district, Simon said.

Even though the district must still deal with state budget cuts, “the M&O levy is critical,” he said.

The levy pays for maintenance and operation, safety and security programs, buses, extracurricular athletics, paraprofessional and support staff, mortgage payments for Parkway School, portable classrooms, curriculum, assessments, technology, textbooks, libraries and food services.

Drama, music, summer school, academic teams and sports are programs also supported by the levy.