POST FALLS - Post Falls is on its way to having its sixth elementary school and expansions at other schools.

Post Falls voters on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved a $19.5 million facility bond levy for construction of a new elementary school on the west side of Greensferry Road north of Poleline Avenue and fund improvements at other sites.

Voters also approved a supplemental levy of $4.65 million per year for two years to support maintenance and operations.

Property taxes for homeowners will not increase as a result of the proposals passing.

"We believe that we had well-balanced proposals between what the school district needs and the community can afford," said Jerry Keane, superintendent.

The facility bond, which needed a two-thirds majority to pass, was passed with 79.3 percent approval. The voting was 1,665 in favor and 434 opposed.

The facility bond levy includes:

* Constructing a $10 million elementary school to alleviate overcrowding at other schools

* A $4 million second-story addition at River City Middle School

* A $2.5 million performing arts auditorium and a $2 million auxiliary gym at Post Falls High.

There is also a $1 million sum for a two-classroom addition at West Ridge; heating unit upgrades at Seltice, Frederick Post/New Vision and Mullan Trail; energy efficiency remodels at Mullan Trail and Frederick Post; and security system upgrades throughout the district.

"Students of all ages will benefit from this bond," said Donagene Turnbow, school board member. "I am thrilled the community realized how important the kids are."

Keane said construction on the elementary will start this summer and the facility will open in fall of 2016. The River City expansion and improvements at Mullan Trail and Frederick Post will start and be completed this summer.

"The elementary and River City will be the first priorities and we'll take on others as soon as we can," Keane said.

The supplemental levy received voter approval of 80.7 percent. The voting was 1,694 in favor; 404 opposed. A simple majority vote (50 percent, plus one) was needed for the proposal to pass.

The new supplemental levy amount is higher than the existing $4.255 million-per-year levy.

The owner of a $200,000 home with a homeowner exemption currently pays $16.90 per month for the current levy. With the approval of the new levy, the cost will be an additional $1.20 per month. However, that cost will be offset by the district paying off bonds used to construct West Ridge Elementary and the restructure of other district construction bonds.