LWSD will include Building Excellence Construction Levy on the November 5 ballot

Voters will consider a construction levy to replace four aging schools and update the fieldhouse and community pool at Juanita High School. 
 
Redmond, Wash. – At the June 3, 2024, Board Meeting, the Lake Washington School District School Board approved a resolution to place a Building Excellence Capital Construction Levy on the November 5, 2024, ballot. The recommendation was introduced for discussion to the Board of Directors during their May 20, 2024, meeting.
 
“Our district is committed to providing excellent educational opportunities for students in schools that are safe, clean and healthy,” said Dr. Jon Holmen, Superintendent. “Every student deserves an exceptional education that prepares them for the 21st century. Funding from this levy would allow us to update our oldest facilities and provide a school that matches the excellence of our district and community.”  
 
Funding from the construction levy would allow LWSD to address Phase 2 of the Building Excellence Plan to ensure every student in our district has equitable access to safe and modern learning environments. Projects will 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   

This levy will focus on aging facilities that are not fully meeting the needs of our students. The plan includes rebuilding and enlarging the four remaining schools that have not received upgrades or rebuilds since the start of the 1998 modernization program. This levy would provide funding for secure facilities with single entry points, up-to-date building systems and infrastructure, and other features to ensure students continue to learn in a safe environment that supports modern learning standards. 

Community Investment
Collection on this levy will begin in 2026, generating an average of $112.8 million per year for six years. As past bonds and levies expire, the combined tax rate is projected to stay stable.
 
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. These projects have been developed with efficiency and effectiveness at the forefront.

You can view the School Board presentation here.
 
Watch a brief video from Dr. Holmen here: https://youtu.be/CzAswdtVsSo

See the project details at https://www.lwsd.org/programs-and-services/facilities/construction/building-excellence-plan-projects.

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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.