Building Excellence Plan: Construction needs through 2034

The 2022 Building Excellence Construction Levy is step one in a three-step plan to provide permanent classrooms for students and address aging facilities and reduce reliance on portables through 2034. The Building Excellence Plan identifies the specific projects needed and a long-term funding plan that allows all required projects to be completed by 2034.

The image below shows our construction needs through 2034. Please note: Projects are listed in reverse order, with the 2022 Construction Levy items listed at the bottom.

Construction needs through 2034

Here are the details of the plan through 2034:

  • Step #1 – Construction Levy (February 2022)
    • Step 1 of the Building Excellence Plan funds $295 million or 15% of the identified school construction needs. These construction needs are considered critical over the next four years. This levy provides funding to build critical classroom space across our district:
      • Due to change in enrollment since the levy passed, the plan to add a new elementary school on the Redmond Elementary campus was changed to enlarge Rockwell Elementary. This change was approved by the LWSD school board. See the press release for more information.
      • Additions at Finn Hill, Kirkland and Redmond middle schools, providing capacity for 600 more students.  
      • Additional high school capacity for about 1,200 more students.
      • Acquisition of property for future schools.  
  • Step #2 – Bond (Future – 2024)
    • Step 2 of the Building Excellence Plan funds $971 million or 49% of the identified school construction needs. These needs include both adding new student space and replacing aging facilities. This levy provides funding to build critical classroom space across our district and addresses aging schools:
      • Elementary School: Rebuild and expand Alcott Elementary and Smith Elementary, Add a new elementary school in Lake Washington area.
      • Middle School: Rebuild or expand Kamiakin Middle School.
      • High School: Build a fifth comprehensive high school.
      • Other: Refurbish JHS fieldhouse/pool, Add space for early learning in Lake Washington area.
  • Step #3 – Renewal of Construction Levy (Future 2028)
    • Step 3 of the Building Excellence Plan funds $705 million or 36% of the identified school construction needs. These needs are new student space, replacing aging facilities, reducing our reliance on portables. This levy provides funding to build critical classroom space across our district and addresses aging schools:
      • Elementary School: Rebuild and expand Rockwell Elementary, add two new elementary schools (location TBD). 
      • Middle School: Rebuild or expand Evergreen Middle School.
      • High School: Add additional high school capacity to Lake Washington area (TBD). 
      • Other: Add space for early learning in Juanita area.