LWSD proposes a Building Excellence Construction Levy for the November ballot

Levy will focus on replacing four aging schools and upgrading/modernizing the fieldhouse and community pool at Juanita High School.

Redmond, Wash. – At the May 20, 2024, Board Meeting, Lake Washington School District proposed a Building Excellence Capital Construction Levy ballot measure for the November 5, 2024, election. The recommendation was presented to the Board of Directors during their meeting. They will formally vote on the recommendation at their June 3, 2024, board meeting.

“Our community has an opportunity to set the stage for future generations, continuing to make Lake Washington a great place to live, raise a family and educate children,​” said Dr. Jon Holmen, Superintendent. “Our students deserve educational environments that match the excellence we strive to attain with each of our students.”

Why does the district need a construction levy?
To continue to provide excellence in education for the students of our community, LWSD recommends placing this measure on the ballot. This levy will focus on aging facilities - to rebuild and enlarge the four remaining schools that have not received upgrades or rebuilds since the start of the 1998 modernization program. This levy would allow the district to ensure secure facilities with single entry points, interior hallways, and other features to ensure students continue to learn in a safe environment.

Projects planned for this levy include:

• Rebuild and enlarge Alcott Elementary
• Rebuild and enlarge Smith Elementary
• Rebuild and enlarge Kamiakin Middle School
• Rebuild and enlarge Evergreen Middle School
• Upgrade and modernize the fieldhouse and community pool at Juanita High School  

The board considered recommendations, received information, and provided feedback in five study sessions between March 2023 and March 2024. The Facility Advisory Committee provided feedback on recommendations for future facility planning to accommodate our changing enrollment landscape and continue to provide learning environments that promote excellence for students. 

You can view the May 20, 2024 School Board presentation here.

Learn more on the LWSD website.

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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 30,500 students in 56 schools.