NEWPORT, Wash. — Students at Newport High School say recent flooding in their classrooms serves as a wake-up call about their aging building’s condition, as the district asks voters to approve more than $52 million in funding for much-needed upgrades.
The flooding occurred Monday when a heating coil failed, sending water into multiple classrooms.
“I think it’s one of several instances that you see, and you go, oh, okay. You know, it’s time for a new building,” said Grace Newen, a senior at Newport High School.
The bond measure would raise more than $46 million, while the supplemental levy would generate around $8.8 million. The bond funding would pay for a new HVAC system and several other building upgrades at the high school.
Newport Superintendent David Smith acknowledges the financial burden the measures would place on taxpayers but emphasizes the necessity of the improvements.
“It’s a tough deal you always worry about, you know, your EPO levy has to pass. I mean, that’s how we function as a school district,” Smith said.
For homeowners with a $300,000 property the levy would cost approximately $525 annually, the bond and $435 for the levy.
Some community members have expressed concern about the cost, particularly for families on fixed incomes, and have suggested the district explore alternative funding sources such as grants.
Smith defended the need for voter-approved funding, saying district officials see the building’s problems firsthand.
“I’m here every day and we’re around kids and we see the needs, they have to be taken care of,” he said.
Despite knowing they may not personally benefit from the improvements, current students say they support the measures for future generations.
“That’s one thing at Newport that I’ve noticed is you’re not just interested in yourself, but you’re interested in the people around you and especially the people who are going to come after you,” Newen said.
Voters have until Feb. 10 to submit their ballots for the special election.
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