Rebuild and Enlarge Smith Elementary
Smith Elementary is our second-oldest elementary school facility, originally built in 1988. A rebuilt school could add permanent capacity for up to 253 students and would be completed in 2031.
*All renderings are proof of concept and may not reflect the final design.
Project Updates
![LWSD sailboat logo thumbnail]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1712613268/lwsdorg/iftqvbm5tmmtmjjj0ink/LWSDlogo-sailboatsonly-post-thumbnail-800x720.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1712613268/lwsdorg/iftqvbm5tmmtmjjj0ink/LWSDlogo-sailboatsonly-post-thumbnail-800x720.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1712613268/lwsdorg/iftqvbm5tmmtmjjj0ink/LWSDlogo-sailboatsonly-post-thumbnail-800x720.png","width":800}])
Did you hear the news? Lake Washington School District is running a capital construction levy in the November 5, 2024 election. This levy will continue our Building Excellence Plan, moving into Phase 2, which focuses on rebuilding and expanding our oldest schools.
Voters will consider a construction levy to replace four aging schools and update the fieldhouse and community pool at Juanita High School.
![Smith thumbnail]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1716923759/lwsdorg/occv7ras6w8phrsxsmzo/smith-thumbnail.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1716923759/lwsdorg/occv7ras6w8phrsxsmzo/smith-thumbnail.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1716923759/lwsdorg/occv7ras6w8phrsxsmzo/smith-thumbnail.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1716923759/lwsdorg/occv7ras6w8phrsxsmzo/smith-thumbnail.png","width":874}])
Do you want to know why LWSD recommends rebuilding Samantha Smith Elementary in the next phase of the Building Excellence Plan?
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.
![Construction Update Phase 2]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1707246147/lwsdorg/anoyi7gsae9155xh0kws/construction-update-thumb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1707246147/lwsdorg/anoyi7gsae9155xh0kws/construction-update-thumb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1707246147/lwsdorg/anoyi7gsae9155xh0kws/construction-update-thumb.jpg","width":800}])
At the November 20 School Board Study Session, Associate Superintendent Barbara Posthumus, Superintendent Holmen and Executive Director of Support Services Brian Buck shared an update to Phase 2 of the Building Excellence Plan.
Project Information
This project will rebuild and enlarge Smith Elementary School. The Facility Advisory Committee recommended this project.
Location: 23305 NE 14th Street, Sammamish, WA 98074
Built: 1988
Architect: Mahlum Architects
Contractor: BNBuilders
Square Footage: 78,000
Capacity: 690 students
Permanent Capacity Add: 253 students
Spaces: 30 standard classrooms plus music, art/science rooms, ELL/SN/special education, library, cafeteria/commons, gymnasium, and outdoor covered play area
Estimated Project Cost: $118.1 million
Planned opening: 2031
Remodel vs. Rebuild
A remodel vs. rebuild study concluded that rebuilding a new school would be more cost-effective than remodeling and enlarging the existing school. A new building would bring the entire school under one roof and limit access points to enhance safety.
Review the new-in-lieu study here.
State construction assistance
Due to its age, the school is eligible for state funds for renovation or replacement. The amount the district expects to receive in State Construction Funding Assistance for this project is TBD.