Washington County voters were loud and clear about their priorities Tuesday, and the results will be important for generations of students and their communities. Every local issue on the ballots passed, according to unofficial results. While many were optimistic, that kind of affirmation may have come as a surprise to those who had heard so much from the small-but-loud group of residents urging the rest to vote no.

Voters in Washington County said yes — to funding for Belpre City Schools, Marietta City Schools, Warren Local Schools, the Washington County Home, Children Services and even EMT coverage in the western part of Muskingum Township.

Yes.

What a wonderful show of support as we look to our future.

Warren Superintendent Kyle Newton was right to call it “such a game changer.”

It may very well be the spark our communities need.

“I am so happy and excited for our community to see that result,” Newton said. “To see our community financially help out is just so amazing and this means a lot.”

It means families — maybe even employers — considering our region will see how much we value education, children, those who need a little help with daily activities, first responders … everyone.

It means we are speaking as communities where we work to lift up one another, and we are willing to dig a little deeper to do it.

“It is what we need in our region as well,” Newton said. “It’s beneficial for us all to be strong.”

Washington County voters have a right to be proud of themselves today.

Now, let’s build on that momentum and get to work.