Voters in Yakima, Washington, have approved a $200 million bond measure to replace two elementary schools and address long-standing facility needs across the Yakima School District. It was the district’s first bond proposal in 15 years.
The largest share of funding will go toward replacing Hoover Elementary, built in 1947, and Garfield Elementary, built in 1966. District estimates place each rebuild at roughly $80 million. Hoover construction could begin within the year because the new facility can be built alongside the existing campus. Garfield construction is expected to follow a year later, with students temporarily relocated during the building phase.
The remaining funds will go toward districtwide upgrades and deferred maintenance projects in existing facilities. Planned work includes ADA and Title IX accessibility upgrades, HVAC replacements, roof repairs, playground improvements, paving and drainage work, sidewalk and courtyard upgrades, and resurfacing of tracks and athletic courts. Playground projects alone account for about $14.5 million in planned spending.
District officials said transparency was central to the campaign after a previous proposal involving a tax ceiling increase failed to gain voter support. The district estimates the bond will cost the owner of a $311,000 home about $20.50 per month. Officials also expect the projects to qualify for approximately $20 million in matching state construction funds.
Before design work can begin, the district still must hire an architect and a third-party project manager and complete the permitting process. District officials have said project oversight and phased scheduling will be key as the bond program moves into procurement and design.
Photo by David McElwee from Pexels
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