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.
District officials decided to rerun the same proposal without changes, citing urgent facility needs and limited 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.
Talbott said the district's aging facilities make it challenging to attract new families.
"We continue to lose kids. We lose them to other districts that have recently built," Talbott said.
The superintendent explained that the board considered changing the proposal but ultimately decided the full amount was necessary.
"We came up with the $220 million for a reason. It's needed. These facilities have to be taken care of," Talbott said.
Brittani Tyler, who has a son at Otis Orchards Elementary, expressed concerns about the district's financial stability.
"About their ability to go on in operations. So I am wondering do we even put our son in this district," Tyler said.
District administrators frame the issue as more than just building improvements.
"This is about a community and whether or not we're going to be a vital community or whether we will continue down this discouraging track that we've been on," Talbott said.
The district emphasized the broader impact of the proposed improvements in a statement.
"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."
Some community members believe the bond amount is too large, while others worry about what would happen if the measure fails again.
"Ignoring the problem isn't getting rid of the problem," Tyler said.
The vote will take place on April 28. Talbott says if it fails again, they will likely have to run a capital levy in the fall.