Note: The below proposed $470 million school funding measure was NOT approved by voters during the February 11, 2020, election.

Building for Our Students’ Future
Capital Bond - February 11, 2020

At Snohomish School District, we are proud of our great schools where our kids receive a quality education. We are also focused on making sure our students – no matter which school they attend – have access to an optimal learning environment provided by intentionally designed learning spaces that support our educational standards.

It is for this commitment that we plan to ask voters to consider a $470 million school funding measure in the February 2020 election to rebuild aging elementary schools, reduce the need for portable classrooms and make sure our school buildings continue to be a source of pride for our community. These projects will ensure our students have access to safe, quality school buildings and programs throughout our district, which serves about 9,800 students.

Our Citizens’ Facility Advisory Committee (CFAC) worked hard this past year to review the conditions of our school buildings, explore demographic and enrollment projections and prioritize needs. Based on this information, the CFAC made a recommendation to the Board of Directors outlining a vision for capital improvements.

The February 2020 bond will focus on:

• Providing access and opportunity for each student
  • Funds from the bond will be used to replace our oldest elementary schools, so all students have the same access to an optimal learning environment no matter which school they attend.
  • Replaces six of our oldest elementary schools: Cascade View Elementary, Cathcart Elementary, Dutch Hill Elementary, Seattle Hill Elementary and Totem Falls Elementary. Central Primary Center and Emerson Elementary would be combined into one new K-6 facility on the Emerson site. Click here for a proposed timeline and projected project costs of the priority projects. 
  • Add classrooms to Glacier Peak High School to minimize the reliance on portable classrooms.
  • Create an early learning center at the current Central Primary Center facility.
  • Improvements to the Parkway Campus, home to our alternative learning programs, such as AIM High School and Parent Partnership Program.
  • Improvements to the district’s maintenance and transportation facilities.
• Enhancing school safety and security for students and schools
  • Funding is needed for security improvements to better ensure our children learn in a safe environment. The bond would provide upgrades to safety and security at schools throughout our district.
  • Safety and security upgrades are, but not limited to, exterior digital access control, internal access control, new district wide radio system, redesigned vestibules in secondary schools, new and upgrade existing camera systems, and emergency responder antennas at secondary schools.
• Continuing community pride
  • This bond will ensure our schools continue to be a source of pride in our community. We know that the success of our students and quality schools are a reflection of our community and a source of pride.

What is the cost for the capital bond?
If approved by voters on February 11, 2020, the tax rate for the Snohomish School District's $470 million capital bond would be $0.98 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. In the Snohomish School District, the average assessed home value is $460,000. For a home assessed at $460,000, the cost would be about $450/year or $38/month. All funding approved by Snohomish voters stays local and is used to support education in the Snohomish School District.

Frequently asked questions (and answers)
We've prepared a list of frequently asked questions we've received regarding the February 11, 2020, capital bond proposal. Click here to be redirected to the list and their answers.

What is the difference between levies and bonds? Why do schools need bonds?
Bonds and levies are funding tools provided by law enabling the local community to directly invest in the quality of schools. Levies and bonds must both be approved by voters.

Bonds are for building. Revenue from bonds provide funds for school construction and capital facility improvement projects. Bonds are financed over a longer period of time and are comparable to a home mortgage. By law, bond dollars may not be used to pay for the day-to-day costs of running schools.

Levies are for learning. Levies support district and student programs and help pay for the many daily operational costs of schools.

Want to learn more about the Snohomish School District capital bond?
To ask a question or request a presentation/more information, please reach out to the district’s Communications Department at communications@sno.wednet.edu or 360-563-7263.