When Federal Way and three other South Sound school districts put levy requests to voters Feb. 19, they will be pioneers, in a way.

They will be among the first to submit levy proposals under the new simple-majority requirement state voters approved in November.

A hurdle of 50 percent plus one approval is a lot less daunting than the previous 60 percent requirement, but school supporters can’t take anything for granted.

These local levies account for as much as a quarter of the districts’ annual budgets. Because the state doesn’t fully fund the cost of basic education, let alone costs like bus transportation and special education, levies are esssential.

Other things that parents expect in their schools, such as counselors, nurses and extracurricular activities, depend heavily on local levy funding.

Federal Way seeks renewal of a four-year levy to replace one that expires this year. If approved, the levy would raise up to $36 million in 2009 and stair-step to $45 million in 2012. The estimated tax rate is $2.74 per $1,000 of assessed value.

The proposed tax rate is well in line with the average levy rate statewide and well below rates for most King County school districts.

Federal Way has a justified reputation for a well-rounded academic program. It has also made significant strides in tackling the racial achievement gap in its highly diverse student population.

A yes vote on Federal Way’s levy bid is a no-brainier.

We similarly support Feb. 19 levy requests from the North Thurston, Yelm and Carbonado school districts. All are four-year levies that replace expiring levies and assure the continuation of current programs.

The new simple-majority requirement is no reason for education supporters to slack off. School districts still need strong voter support at levy time.