Everett Public School issued the following announcement.
Now, more than ever, schools are the heart of our community. Investing in our schools continues our focus on not only academics, but the well-being of every student in our district. Schools are a community resource and they need to be invested in.
Due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, on March 24, 2020 the school board approved Resolution 1228 postponing the April 28 bond proposition until a future time to be determined by the board.
On May 5, the school board approved Resolution 1230 to place the unchanged $317.4 million bond proposition on the August 4, 2020 special election ballot for Building the Future.
School Board President Caroline Mason said, "These past few months have increased my awareness of the important role schools play in our community. Our teachers and staff have done a tremendous job in supporting our families in this unprecedented time of need. The board recognizes this bond will help continue these efforts and further support the safety of our students. We need to make needed investments in our schools so we can continue to serve our families and community."
The current tax rate for Everett Public Schools is $4.88 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. If approved August 4, the new rate would decrease to $4.78 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. This means, the tax rate paid by property owners will not rise, as the district will be paying off older debt. The district understands the impacts the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the economy, and there are many community members who have been financially impacted. We would like to reiterate the proposed deliverables offered in this bond can be implemented while lowering the overall tax rate.
Community capital bond presentation now available as a video you may watch at your convenience.
2020 Capital Bond
Video with Spanish captions
The $317.4 million capital bond will fund STEM career-connected learning pathways for students, ensure equitable access and opportunities for all students, increase safety and security and ensure students have enough room to learn by adding 21st century learning classroom space.
The 2020 capital projects bond prepares our students for the future by:
- Giving our students facilities and tools necessary for STEM career pathways
- The bond funds modernization and upgrades to high school classrooms to support the Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) career pathway programs and new science standards.
- Increasing safety and security for students and schools
- Secure locks and keying systems will be added districtwide.
- Access control systems at two high schools
- Upgrades to fire alarm systems, security systems and fencing
- Ensuring students have enough room to learn by adding 21st Century classroom space, modernizing and repairing building systems
- Adds new elementary school classrooms throughout the district to reduce overcrowding, keep class sizes low and keep more kids at their neighborhood schools
- Repairs aging school systems in our schools like HVAC, roofing and flooring replacements, that extends the longevity of schools
- Providing equitable access and opportunities for students by funding capital projects at all schools throughout our district, while reducing the overall school district tax rate.
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