Information about the projects included
in the school bond on the May 20, 2008 ballot

Complete the Snohomish High School renovation:
The 2004 bond included $63.8 million to modernize SHS. Since then, school construction costs skyrocketed by an unprecedented 60-65 percent in just three years. The current estimated total project cost is $110.8 million; this proposal includes $47.0 million to fully complete the SHS renovation.

The original SHS budget has continued to be earmarked solely for SHS renovation. SHS funds were not used to complete Little Cedars or Glacier Peak; interest earnings and state matching funds supported the completion of those projects.

Work at SHS has continued and is on schedule; a new three-story, 28 classroom building will open this fall. Projects that have been deferred due to inflation, and would therefore be funded by the proposed bond, include: construction of a new library media center and performing arts center; demolition of Building B; renovation of Building A, the gym, and commons; and completion of the new bus loop and visitor parking.

Relieve overcrowding at the middle school level:
Renovate and expand Valley View MS: Built for 582 students, Valley View currently houses 800 students (218 students over capacity), with continued enrollment growth projected through 2016. The school is 28 years old. The finishes and systems are old and require increasing maintenance; the wiring and electrical capacity at the school does not support current needs; and parking / traffic flow are inadequate. The proposed project would renovate the school and increase its capacity to 950 students; this would alleviate current overcrowding and accommodate anticipated growth.

Expand Centennial MS: Centennial is currently 177 students over capacity (built for 559 students, it has 736), with continued enrollment growth projected through 2016. The proposed project would enlarge the school’s capacity to 900 students, which would alleviate current overcrowding and accommodate anticipated growth. This project would also allow Central/Emerson students to attend Centennial and remain with their peers from elementary through middle and high school.

Replace Riverview & Machias Elementary Schools:
Riverview was built in 1966, 42 years ago. Due to its age, the HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, and hardware systems are worn out and failing; the electrical system cannot support a modern school.

Machias was built in 1970 with the same design used for Riverview, so it has similar issues with its HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, hardware, and electrical systems.

Both schools would be rebuilt with a core capacity for 500 students to accommodate future growth. At Riverview, this would also help alleviate overcrowding elsewhere. It would be less expensive to build new schools than to renovate these two buildings.

Build a new aquatics center:
Hal Moe Pool was permanently closed last spring because of serious safety and structural issues. The age and physical condition of the facility rule out the possibility of cost effective repairs. This proposal includes funds to build a new, larger aquatics center, which would likely include a competition lap pool, recreation pool, therapy pool, and improved ADA accessibility. A possible location for the facility could be at the Snohomish Freshman Campus site. The existing site is too small for a recreational pool.

District-wide capital improvement projects:
Examples of capital facility improvement projects include roof replacements, electrical/wiring upgrades, HVAC replacement and upgrades, parking lot reconfigurations, energy saving projects, and other health, safety, and infrastructure improvements.

Technology to improve student learning:
All school renovation and construction projects include new technology. This proposal also includes technology funds for the rest of the district’s schools: Cathcart, Cascade View, Central, Dutch Hill, Emerson, Seattle Hill, Totem Falls, Centennial, and Parkway Campus.

Examples of technology to improve student learning include smart boards, audio enhancement and other classroom technology, computer labs, library circulation systems, and back-end equipment (servers, data storage, etc.).