Eastmont School Funding & Facility Planning
Planning for Safe, Functional Schools
Public schools in Washington are funded through a combination of state funding, federal funding, and local voter-approved measures. School districts must rely on local bonds and levies to pay for major construction projects, school rebuilds, and large facility improvements.
Eastmont School District is currently exploring a proposed school funding measure for the November 3, 2026 ballot focused on rebuilding three aging elementary schools and completing maintenance, renewal, and repair work across the district.
The district’s long-term planning efforts are focused on providing safe, reliable learning environments while practicing fiscal stewardship and responsible management of district resources.
Why the District is Exploring a Bond
Eastmont schools are used every day for learning, activities, and community events. Several elementary schools are heavily used, rely on portable classrooms, and have aging building systems that require ongoing maintenance and repairs.
Over the past year, a Community Bond Planning Committee made up of nearly 40 community members reviewed:
- Enrollment and capacity data
- Building conditions
- Facility use
- Long-term maintenance needs
- Financial impacts and options
The committee included parents, students, business leaders, senior citizens, educators, industry representatives, local government representatives, and community members from across Eastmont.
The committee’s work focused on identifying the district’s highest facility priorities and developing a recommendation grounded in data, school capacity needs, and long-term planning.
Proposed Projects
The planning committee reached consensus on recommending a proposed $130 million bond that would:
- Rebuild or replace Kenroy Elementary School
- Rebuild or replace Lee Elementary School
- Rebuild or replace Cascade Elementary School
- Complete maintenance, renewal, and repair projects across the district
The proposal is also estimated to qualify for approximately $25 million in state construction funding assistance, helping reduce the amount funded locally.
Why These Schools?
The committee reviewed both building condition data and school capacity data.
Current utilization without portable classrooms:
- Lee Elementary: 157%
- Kenroy Elementary: 128%
- Cascade Elementary: 122%
All three schools currently rely on portable classrooms to accommodate student enrollment.
The committee also reviewed physical condition assessments and long-term maintenance needs across district facilities.
Planning Process
The district’s planning process has included:
- Community facility planning meetings
- Facility tours and reviews
- Enrollment and demographic analysis
- Building condition assessments
- Financial modeling and tax impact analysis
- School Board presentations
The goal has been to take a practical, long-term approach focused on the district’s highest facility priorities while continuing to maintain existing schools and facilities.
Timeline
Fall 2025 - Spring 2026
- Community Bond Planning Committee meetings, facility review, and data analysis
May 11, 2026
- Planning committee presents consensus recommendation to the School Board
May 26, 2026
- School board meeting to discuss placing a measure on the ballot
June 8, 2026
- School Board could consider a resolution to place the measure on the November ballot
Community Input
Community feedback is an important part of the district’s planning process.
Eastmont School District will continue providing opportunities for community members to:
- Learn more about the proposed projects
- Review presentations and materials
- Ask questions
- Share feedback and priorities
Upcoming engagement opportunities and surveys will be posted on this page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bond?
A bond is a voter-approved funding measure used for major school construction and facility improvements, such as rebuilding schools, replacing building systems, and completing large-scale capital projects.
Why can’t the district use its regular operating budget?
Washington state law separates school operating funds from major capital construction funding. Bonds are the primary way school districts fund large construction and rebuilding projects.
Has the School Board made a final decision?
No. The School Board is still reviewing information and community feedback before making any final decision about placing a measure on the ballot.
What would the bond pay for?
The current recommendation includes rebuilding Kenroy, Lee, and Cascade elementary schools, along with maintenance, renewal, and repair projects across the district.
Would the projects happen all at once?
The district is still reviewing project timelines and phasing options if a measure were approved.
Stay Informed
The district will continue sharing updates, presentations, meeting dates, and community engagement opportunities as planning continues.
Questions?
Contact Superintendent Spencer Taylor
Email: taylors@eastmont206.org
Phone: ( 509) 884-7169