On Tuesday, April 26, the Selah School District is resubmitting a $39.95 million facilities bond.  In February the proposal received a 58% yes vote, just 2% shy of the required super majority in order to pass.

The bond will cover five urgently needed projects. With passage of the facilities bond, it will allow the district to go from five main campuses to four which will provide a significant savings in operational costs. Currently, three of the five campuses in use are less than standard and have failing infrastructure systems. With construction costs and interest rates at historic lows, and considering the payoff of the 1998 bonds in 2013, now is the ideal time to pass the new bond.

What are the Facility Bond projects?

If the bond is approved a new junior high would be built to serve students in grades 6-8. The new junior high would be built behind the existing campus. The new junior high will include the modernization of the current gymnasium, which will save approximately $1 million in construction costs. 

In addition the remainder of the bond proposal includes:

High School Improvements.  Eight new classrooms, an auxiliary gym and a multi-purpose auditorium/performing arts center will be built. Ninth grade students will move to the high school and many of these improvements are needed to accommodate additional students. 

John Campbell Elementary Bus/Parent Load Zone and Parking Improvements.  John Campbell will be used for grades K-2 so these improvements are needed to improve student safety.

Instructional technology upgrades will be made at John Campbell Elementary, Selah Intermediate, Selah High School and Selah Academy so these schools will have similar levels as the new junior high.

There will not be a double payment by taxpayers if the bond is approved

The projected rate if the facility bond passes is $1.98 per $1000 of assessed valuation, beginning in 2012.

Beginning in 2014 the entire $1.98 (per $1000 av) will be paid on the new bonds.  If the new facility bond passes we have structured the repayment so the total cost of the bonds to taxpayers will be not be above $1.98 (per $1000 av) in 2012, 2013, 2014 etc., continuing at that rate until the new bonds are paid off in 2033.

Schedule a facility tour

Facility tours are available until April 25, 2011.  Two videos are also posted on the district’s web-site if you prefer to view a sample of the condition of these facilities.

Tours Monday through Friday can be scheduled between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.  

Saturday tours will be held at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.   You can schedule a tour at www.selahk12.wa.us or call 509-697-0706.