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PROP. 1: Expanded Student Capacity, School Improvements & Safety Upgrades

11/6/24: Proposition 1 is passing with over 60%!

We’re absolutely thrilled that Proposition 1 has passed and very much thank those who voted in support of the bond measure. The passage reflects the shared belief of our community to invest in schools and kids. We’re excited to now move forward in implementing the bond projects that will expand and improve our schools.

In working to develop project timelines, we have prioritized starting the projects that will address our top capacity issues. The first projects to move forward are Bonney Lake High SchoolSumner High School and the new middle school in Tehaleh

Please stay tuned for more project details, along with information about the formation of a bond oversight committee. 

Students hold thank you voters sign

Did you know that 9 out of 14 schools in the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District are already overcapacity, and 4 others are over 97% capacity? SBLSD has experienced dramatic increases in student enrollment over the last decade and it is projected to continue increasing at the same rate.

But we're ready for the future.

Election Date: Nov. 5, 2024

In case you missed it, check out this News Tribune article and hear from parents, students and staff about Prop. 1.

News Tribune article page

 

PROP. 1:

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Relieves student overcrowding

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Takes care of basics that extend school life and saves money in long-run

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Expands space for career, technical & vocational education

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Maintains heath, safety, and security at all schools

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Expands multi-use turf fields for year-round use by students & community

Projects

The below map represents projects to expand, build, and improve our schools to address the increased student population and remain future-ready for all students in the decade ahead.

The expanded, new, and improved schools would reduce student overcrowding at all schools across the district and make cost-saving energy efficiency improvements.

Developed by community

For more than a year, a 31-member community advisory committee (Capital Facility Advisory Committee)-made up of parents and community members with expertise in building, design, construction, as well as educators-studied the educational needs of Sumner-Bonney Lake's rapidly growing enrollment of K-12 students.  

Prop. 1 is based upon the community advisory committee's FUTURE READY recommendations to address K-12 student overcrowding, make needed basic improvements to address aged and deteriorating schools, and make safety upgrades. 

CFAC members discuss projects

Districtwide improvements through Prop. 1

Prop. 1 would make school improvements in teaching and learning environments that support student achievement and relieve student overcrowding at nearly all schools, including:

Other districtwide improvements, varying by school, include: 

  • Updated learning technology
  • Make classroom and facility improvements for expanded career/technical education
  • Replacing aging roofs
  • Make Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility improvements 
  • Improve mechanical systems for clean air/water and energy efficiency
  • Add multi-use synthetic turf fields for students/community
  • Improve health/safety/security
Homes in sumner birds-eye view

Cost

Prop. 1 is a $732M bond measure for K-12 Expanded Student Capacity, School Improvements and Safety Upgrades. If Prop. 1 is approved, the average tax rate would remain the same. The average total school tax rate for the last 5 years was $4.64/$1,000 of assessed property value. If Prop. 1 is approved, the average total school tax rate for the next 5 years is projected to be $4.63/$1,000 of assessed property value.

If Prop. 1 is approved, the increased cost for a residential property owner would be $70/year per $100K of assessed property value. 

The average residential property in Sumner-Bonney Lake is estimated to be $547K in 2025.

Note: The total school tax rate includes all school taxes (bond and levies). The total school tax rate in 2024 is $3.94. 

Read Bond Cost and Tax Q&A

Students hold class in the hallway at BLHS

Class is held in the hallway at Bonney Lake High School due to overcapacity.

Addressing the need