Video: 70 teachers in danger of losing jobs

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LACEY, Wash. – If an upcoming levy $49 million levy fails, 70 teachers in the North Thurston Public School District will lose their jobs. In addition, the district may cut programs like music, art and business classes.

But with some voters saying they can't afford to pay for levies right now, the May 20 ballot measure is going to be a tough sell.

Timberline High School choir director Terry Shaw found out he's one of the teachers in jeopardy if the levy is rejected.

"It's a little bit awkward knowing I might not be teaching," said Shaw.

Business teacher Kelly Boyer could lose her job too.

"A vote on May 20th would be a relief certainly for me, but it's what our community and our kids deserve," said Boyer.

Voters filling up at local gas stations have mixed reactions.

Jack Welliver has four kids in the district, so he says he'll support the schools, even if that means he'll pay an average off $100 a year in extra property taxes.

"With gas prices the way they are it's tough to vote for anything, but as far as kids go, we gotta do something," said Welliver.

Some other drivers say they won't support the levy because they can't afford it.

Richard St. Claire voted no the last time a levy came up in February.

"They're not putting the money in the right place," said St. Claire.

There are a lot of folks who feel that way, but don't want to say it publicly.

Voters in nearby Rochester voted against a school levy in February, but then approved a similar one last month. Supporters say that gives them hope.