Voters have passed the $11.9 million Orcas Island School bond measure.

The measure was approved by 63 percent and rejected by 37 percent of Orcas voters.

“I am so grateful to all the hardworking people who helped with the bond and levy campaign,” said Janet Brownell, school board member and Orcas Island Education Foundation president. “Most of all I am thankful to the Orcas voters. I want to personally thank them for their votes. It was a vote for our island children. A vote, that given this economy, is personal – and hard to make. Thank you for looking to the future.”

The bond is for 20 years. The terms are 26 cents per thousand. The money will be used for building renovations.

The architectural firm Mahlum has designed a concept that keeps the existing foundation and calls for extensive remodel work in the middle school, library and cafeteria. In addition, a satellite building will be constructed for tech education. That site will also be used to house students during the school year when construction is taking place.

Voters also approved a two-year general technology capital projects levy by 67 percent.

The levy, which is $.06 per $1,000 assessed value, will pay for modernizing the school’s technology facilities.