WASHINGTON — Two Washington school districts are making final appeals to voters as time runs out in this month’s special election, with major school facility funding at stake.
East Valley School District families are once again being asked to approve a $200 million bond to replace East Valley High School and Middle School. In February, 54% of voters approved the measure, but it fell short of the required 60% supermajority.
District leaders put the identical proposal back on the ballot, citing urgent facility needs and few alternatives.
“The question isn’t like, if we’re going to replace, it’s when we’re going to replace. The longer we wait, the more expensive it becomes,” said Brian Talbott, superintendent of East Valley School District.
The bond would add hundreds of dollars in property taxes for average homeowners, which some residents consider too costly.
The East Valley Bond requires a supermajority, plus 40% minimum turnout to pass.
Meanwhile, Nine Mile Falls voters face a capital levy to fund major repairs at Lakeside High School. Students and staff say the school needs serious upgrades, including fixes for a leaking roof, failing heating and cooling system, and a cracked track that poses safety risks to runners.
District leaders say the state doesn’t fund these types of repairs. If the levy fails, officials may try again in November, potentially delaying critical repairs.
The Nine Mile Falls levy needs a simple majority of qualified voters to pass. It’s also a multi-county measure spanning both Spokane and Stevens counties.
Both measures highlight ongoing challenges for Washington school districts maintaining aging facilities while relying on local property taxes for major improvements.
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