The West Valley School District is asking the community to consider a $92.5 million replacement bond and a separate levy renewal on the upcoming February ballot. The funds are designated for extensive capital improvements across the district, including major renovations, security enhancements, and a significant middle school reorganization project. If approved, the bond would also secure nearly $44 million in matching funds from the state.
Key Takeaways
- West Valley School District is proposing a $92.5 million bond and a levy renewal for the February ballot.
- The bond would fund school renovations, security upgrades, and consolidate grades 6-8 into one building.
- State matching funds of nearly $44 million are contingent on the bond's passage.
- The district projects the overall property tax rate for schools will decrease even with the new measures, from an estimated $3.41 to $2.92 per $1,000 of assessed value.
- The plan is the second phase of a long-range facility improvement strategy, with work scheduled from 2026 to 2031.
Funding Plan for School Improvements
District officials are currently gathering public feedback on the proposed financial measures. The plan involves two distinct but concurrent ballot items: a construction bond for buildings and a levy for educational programs. This approach is common in Washington state, where bonds are used for capital projects and levies support operational costs.
Superintendent Peter Finch emphasized the importance of community input during a recent public forum. "This is a chance for the board to hear from the community to see if this proposal is on the right track, or there needs to be some adjustments made," he stated.
The proposal represents Phase 2 of the district's Long-Range Facility Committee's plan. If voters approve the measures, the improvement projects are slated to begin in the summer or fall of 2026 and continue through 2031.
Understanding the Tax Impact
The district has structured the proposal to coincide with expiring debt, aiming to minimize the financial impact on taxpayers. A significant bond for the high school is scheduled to be paid off in 2026. The new proposal would replace this expiring bond.
Under the plan, the estimated bond rate in 2027 would be $1.53 per $1,000 of assessed property value, slightly less than the expiring bond's rate of $1.54. The separate educational levy would be renewed at its current estimated rate of $1.50 per $1,000.
Projected Tax Rate Decrease
The proposed combined tax rate for the new bond and renewed levy from 2027 to 2030 is estimated at $2.92 per $1,000 of assessed value. This is a reduction from the estimated $3.41 per $1,000 that residents paid between 2020 and 2024, according to district data.
While the bond would have a 20-year term, running from 2027 to 2047, the levy is for a four-year period. The levy funds are critical for day-to-day operations, covering expenses for school nurses, athletics, music and drama programs, special education services, and instructional materials.
Detailed Project and Renovation Schedule
The $92.5 million bond is designed to address a wide range of needs, from immediate security concerns to long-term structural modernizations across multiple schools.
Priority 1: District-Wide Security Enhancements
The first projects to be implemented would be comprehensive security upgrades at all schools. This includes the installation and modernization of security cameras and intercom systems.
"That is one of the biggest things, as we recognize the safety aspect of that," said Tara Cobia, a member of the Long-Range Facility Committee. "So that's going to be our first priority."
Elementary School Modernization
Several elementary schools are targeted for significant upgrades:
- Mountainview Elementary: Will receive new carpeting and paint.
- Cottonwood Elementary: Slated for foundation support upgrades and a new gym floor.
- Wide Hollow Elementary: Will get new flooring, sidewalks, and a new HVAC system for its gym and kitchen.
- Ahtanum Elementary: Scheduled for major renovations between 2028 and 2030.
Background on School Needs
During the community forum, residents and teachers voiced support for the projects, noting that renovations at schools like Ahtanum are long overdue. Concerns were also raised about existing issues, such as the use of portable classrooms at Mountainview and the lack of a cafeteria at Ahtanum.
Reconfiguring the Middle Grades
A central component of the bond proposal is the reorganization of the district's middle school structure. The plan aims to bring all students in grades 6 through 8 together into a single, expanded facility.
The expansion of West Valley Middle School is set to begin in 2027. This will allow the district to consolidate the grades without disrupting ongoing classes. "We can keep the kids in the junior high and middle school, and we can start that addition without impeding on their educational space," Cobia explained.
Repurposing West Valley Junior High
Once the middle school expansion is complete, the West Valley Junior High building will be repurposed between 2030 and 2031. It will first serve as temporary housing for Ahtanum Elementary students while their school undergoes renovation.
Afterward, the building will be converted to house district offices and serve as a community resource. Key facilities like the auditorium, gym, and meeting spaces will be maintained for public and school use.
Community Feedback and Next Steps
Attendees at the recent forum generally expressed support for the bond, acknowledging the need to modernize the district's aging facilities. Community member Audel Ramirez commented that while the proposals don't solve every problem, they represent a significant step forward.
Board members also addressed specific concerns. James Kephart, a West Valley school board member, explained a key challenge at one school. "We can't expand the footprint at Mountainview, because you've got to have fire suppression, and you can't do that on a well," he said, noting the need to connect to city water for any new construction.
The West Valley School District board must make a final decision on placing the bond and levy on the ballot by November. If they move forward, voters will have the final say in the February election.