Redmond, Wash. – Lake Washington School District (LWSD) has proposed repurposing levy funds from the 2022 Building Excellence Construction Levy. These funds would be used to rebuild and enlarge Rockwell Elementary School. They were originally planned to be used to build a new elementary school on the Redmond Elementary campus.

“Lake Washington School District values its partnership with our community,” said Dr. Jon Holmen, Superintendent. “To that end, our commitment to fiscal responsibility includes using our public resources in the most efficient and effective ways to accomplish our goals of excellence in education for each student.”  

District staff originally shared this proposal with the School Board at their March 6, 2023 study session. A formal proposal was presented at the School Board meeting on March 27, 2023. The School Board will vote on this proposal at a special board meeting on Monday, April 3, 2023 at 5 p.m.

Planning for the 2022 Building Excellence Construction Levy began in 2019 and was finalized in 2021. Since the 2022 Building Excellence Construction Levy passed, enrollment in the Redmond-area elementary schools is lower than projected. The overall enrollment forecast is reduced. The current need for a new elementary school for 550 students has changed.

This proposal adds space for 252 additional students in permanent capacity, in an area that is still expected to grow. Permanent capacity at Rockwell Elementary would increase from 438 students to 690 students. This will also allow the district to address an aging facility now, at a lower cost, rather than waiting for a future measure to meet this need.

While the original resolutions allow funds to be used on any capital project, given the elimination of one project, and replacing it with another, this is being brought for board action.  Resolution 2345, redirecting construction levy funds, will be placed on the April 3, 2023 agenda for board action.

Watch this video from Dr. Holmen for additional information (4:16).

Direct link: https://youtu.be/BDpGZnSv0VI

The public is invited to share their comments about this proposal with the District at communications@lwsd.org or the School Board by emailing boardmembers@lwsd.org.

Learn more:

• March 6 School Board Study Session PowerPoint
• March 6 School Board Study Session video
• March 27 School Board Meeting PowerPoint
• March 27 School Board Meeting Video

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About Lake Washington: Lake Washington School District  is a high-performing public school district serving Kirkland, Redmond, and Sammamish, Washington. It is the second-largest district in the state of Washington, with over 30,000 students in 57 schools.