The Auburn School District’s middle schools and elementary schools are overcrowded, aging, and lack infrastructure for modern technology, among other shortcomings.
Among the district’s plans are repairs where possible, along with tear-downs and replacements, and a new middle school, its fifth.
That is what district voters will decide regarding the bond and levy on the general election ballot for Nov. 4.
Proposition 1: School Bond-Building for Learning
If voters say yes, this proposed bond package will build Middle School #5 on ASD property on Sumner-Tapps Highway East, replace the 58-year old Cascade Middle School and move it away from its present site to district property at I St. NE and 40th St. NE, and replace Alpac Elementary School on the site where it has been in the city of Pacific for 53 years.
According to the district, the plan is to decrease overcrowding in the district’s schools — which in the aggregate, currently make do with 41 portables — to increase student safety, provide infrastructure for modern technology, equip schools with more energy-efficient heating, cooling and lighting systems, and improve parking and access.
Taxpayers will see an average cost of $1.04 per $1,000 of assessed property valuation, with bond costs not to exceed $490,000,000.
Proposition 2: Safety, Security, Facility Improvements, and Technology Replacement Levy
According to district officials, this six-year levy would make safety and security improvements at 16 schools and support buildings, enhance learning spaces, and provide new technology devices for all students.
The average cost would be 77 cents per $1,000 of assessed property valuation, with the total cost of the levy at $110,800,000.
Over the last eight years, the district built Bowman Creek Elementary and Willow Crest Elementary, and razed and replaced Olympic Middle School, Chinook Elementary, Dick Scobee Elementary, Lea Hill Elementary, Pioneer Elementary, and Terminal Park Elementary. All projects came in on time and under budget, and are high-quality schools that should last for generations, according to the district.
In the 2024 general election, the Auburn School District’s $532,100,000 construction bond was garnering 52.4 percent of the combined votes of King and Pierce counties in early returns. The result broke down to 61.5 percent yes in Pierce County and 51.33 percent yes in King County.
If success required only a simple majority, that number would have been more than enough to pass the bond, but the state of Washington requires a 60 percent supermajority for bond passage.
“Investing in Auburn’s schools provides Auburn students with the essential tools and education needed for success beyond graduation,” said Auburn School Board President Laura Theimer. “A well supported school system cultivates knowledgeable citizens and prepares them to thrive, contributing to their families and the broader community.”
