Brandywine Community Schools students and staff can breathe a little easier now that voters overwhelmingly passed the district’s millage renewal proposal in Tuesday’s general election.

The proposal gathered 980 yes votes and 499 no votes — nearly a 2-1 margin — according to figures gathered by Supt. John Jarpe.

“We are very pleased with the community support,” Jarpe. “I think that everyone who supported it understood the proposal, understood what the renewal was all about.”

Jarpe’s figures show Bertrand Township in favor of the proposal 185 to 103. Niles Township No. 3 voted in favor of the proposal 175 to 127, Niles Township No. 4 186 to 84 and Milton Township 434 to 185.

The operating millage renewal proposal allows the district to continue to levy the statutory rate of 18 mills for on non-homestead property, which includes businesses, rental property and second homes. It does not affect a person’s principal residence.

The millage, which provides about $1.37 million annually to the district’s operating fund, has been in place for nearly 20 years. It accounts for about 11 percent of the district’s operating budget.

Robb DeJonge (997 votes) and Janis Exner (927 votes) remain on the Brandywine school board as both ran unopposed for two open positions.