Bond

Update Nov. 5, 2024: As of this evening, the facilities bond is failing at 51.9 percent. In Washington, a bond requires 60 percent approval to pass. Regardless of the results, we remain committed to finding solutions to address the needs of our students and improve our facilities.

A Facilities Task Force met from June 2023 to October 2023 to develop a recommendation to the school board about recommended facility projects. The task force, comprised of staff, families and community members, met monthly to learn more about the facilities needs of the district. The task force presented their recommendation to the school board in December 2023. The following projects will be presented to voters for consideration on Nov. 5, 2024. The video below explains some of the needs for safety and accessibility improvements.

Bond Projects

Build a New Meridian Middle School (5-8)

The task force unanimously recommended that a new Meridian Middle School be built. Meridian Middle School was built in 1938. Though it has been well maintained, signs of wear are evident throughout and expenses to maintain the school continue to grow. In addition, there are safety concerns at the current middle school.

The exterior walls are constructed with non-reinforced concrete meaning that there is no rebar inside and the school is not to current seismic code. The campus consists of several unconnected buildings with outdoor entries and walkways. This makes it difficult to keep track of students and safely secure the campus in the event of an emergency. The current campus also lacks accessible entries and restrooms for our students and visitors who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility.

The layout is not designed for 21st Century Learning. There are no collaboration spaces and specialists, such as nurses, counselors, psychologists, and occupation and physical therapists, currently work in offices that were once closets, storage rooms or converted classrooms. The new middle school would be built on the same property. (Supplemental Documentation for Study and Survey, page 16).

A new school would comply with modern safety codes, including seismic requirements, and meet accessibility standards creating a safer space. Energy-efficiency would be built into the design, ensuring comfortable classrooms year-round that would improve student focus and learning

Visit our Bond FAQ webpage to learn more about the 5-8 recommendation.

The video below explains some reasons why a new Meridian Middle School is recommended to be built.

Space
Cost: $86.92 million
State match: -$16 million
Bond Cost: $70.92 million

Meridian High School Safety Improvements and Repairs

Auditorium Repairs and New Music Room

The performing arts center/auditorium was built in 1991. The task force recommends repairs to the exterior faces and a new roof for the performing arts center. During heavy rains, water leaks into the auditorium and onto the seats. The performing arts center is used by our community and students for performances and events.

As part of these improvements, the band/choir room would be moved from an exterior campus building to the old cafeteria which is connected to the performing arts center. This would improve school safety because all classes would be on the closed campus.

Bond cost: $2.18 million

New Generator

The installation of a generator would provide emergency power and heat to prevent freezing pipes in the event of inclement weather. The generator would allow for the office, library, main building, CTE building, north gym and locker rooms to have emergency power in the event of a power outage. This is separate from the generator for emergency power to the district’s main network and server room that voters approved in the capital projects levy in 2020.

Bond cost: $400,000

Stadium Repairs and Lighting Replacement

The current lighting was installed in 1987 and is beyond its useful life expectancy. Some of the light fixtures are not functional. The poles are leaning and rotting. The existing stadium structure is in need of repair as some of the beams are rotting. The roof would also be repaired. Our athletic events are a big draw for our community and both the field and stadium are frequently used.

Bond cost: $1.5 million

space

Financial Impact

The total bond cost of the projects is $75 million. This bond measure would be an increase tax rate of $1.38 per $1,000 of assessed value. The tax rate for our community would increase by $63.25/month or $759/year in 2025 for a median homeowner ($550,000 home) in our community. The district is eligible for up to $16 million in state match funding. A bond planning scenario for 20 years is available for viewing here.

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