NEWPORT, Wash. — A bond measure that would have funded major renovations to Newport High School failed Tuesday, disappointing students and community members who spent weeks campaigning for the aging facility’s upgrade.
The bond’s defeat came despite acknowledgment that the 45-year-old building faces significant infrastructure problems. Students report burst pipes, flooding, and inadequate heating that forces them to bundle up in classrooms during the winter months.
“I went to the school 10 years ago, it was outdated, it’s been outdated,” said Emily Cooper, a community member and former student who has family in the district.
The building’s deteriorating conditions have only worsened over time, according to students and staff who describe the infrastructure failures as routine occurrences rather than isolated incidents.
April Owen, board chair for the Newport School District, said district officials conducted extensive research before proposing the bond measure.
“We really, really did our due diligence, you know, trying to make sure that we were asking for something that was the best use of taxpayers’ funds,” Owen said.
However, some taxpayers opposed the bond, citing concerns about the financial burden during challenging economic times. Others said they lacked sufficient information about how the bond money would be spent.
“Which I understand. You know, people want to be more informed. And also times are tough,” Cooper said.
While the bond failed, voters did approve a separate programs and operations levy for the district.
For the past two years, approximately 30 community members, staff, and parents have worked together to develop the bond proposal.
Owen said the district has access to nearly $18 million in capital project funds from the state, but those funds require matching money from the district.
The failed bond would have provided those matching funds. Owen said her team is now evaluating options for moving forward with necessary improvements.
For community members like Cooper, who want to see the district continue to grow and attract families, the bond’s failure represents a missed opportunity to provide students with adequate facilities.
“I want this community to have a school, and a good school, for kids to go to in the future,” Cooper said.
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