After failing to reach supermajority, East Valley Schools will try for bond again

SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — The East Valley School District will try once again to pass a $220 million bond on the April 28 ballot.

54.6% of voters chose to pass the bond earlier this month. The measure needed a 60% supermajority to pass.

The proposed bond would fund the replacement of East Valley High School and East Valley Middle School. The current capital levy, with a cost of $0.73 for every $1,000 of assessed property value, is set to expire on Dec. 31 of this year.

This new bond would mean property owners would pay $1.96 for every $1,000 of assessed property value.

The new schools would be simultaneously construction next to the current school sites, making sure the students stay on campus throughout construction without disruption or the cost of relocating to temporary classrooms.

The district says if this bond passes, it will receive $55 million from Washington’s School Construction Assistance Program to help with critical infrastructure, safety and security improvements at the five remaining schools in the district.

“This bond will significantly and positively impact every student and school in East Valley; it is about far more than buildings,” the district said. “It’s about ensuring our students are learning in safe, efficient and effective facilities designed to help every learner realize and reach their potential. It’s about providing our students with the foundational resources necessary for them to compete and perform academically, athletically, in the arts, and… ultimately in the workplace. It’s about equipping tomorrow’s leaders and building a stronger East Valley community – together.”