Our community prioritizes its kids! They need modernized schools that are safe and built for learning. Too many Wenatchee students currently spend their days in aging buildings with mechanical systems beyond repair.
At WHS (built in 1972), old HVAC systems can’t safely filter out wildfire smoke or cool the building during temperature spikes. Learning days are lost to closures from poor air quality or excessive temperatures. Additionally, small, windowless classrooms with inadequate electrical, plumbing and technical infrastructure limit teaching and learning opportunities.
Voting Yes on the November 3 bond builds safer classrooms on the existing WHS campus. The bond will also replace failing HVAC systems at seven schools across the district creating healthier, improved learning environments where every student can focus and thrive. Community-driven and fiscally-conservative design will save over $20 million by re-using and updating the gyms, pool and auditorium for student and community use. Financial stewardship of community funds is a top priority!
Every bond dollar stays local, used only for construction and facility improvements. A Yes vote also unlocks $83 million in state matching funds, reducing what local taxpayers pay. Safe, functional schools are necessary and what our students and community deserve. Vote Yes by November 3.
Rebuttal of argument against
WSD serves 6,500+ kids. Each student deserves safe and healthy schools. Our outdated WHS is failing. The same is true of seven elementary and middle school HVAC systems. School facilities support a wide range of community events, athletics, and arts. Don’t be misled: a 3-year, well-researched, community-led review process resulted in this bond proposal. It reflects a long-term investment to strengthen our kids, families, and community and qualifies for $83M in state matching funds.
Statement Against · Bill Sullivan, Mike Dechaney, Cynthia Adams
statement appears human
Committee: Bill Sullivan, Mike Dechaney, Cynthia Adams
Voters must carefully weigh the proposed $275 million ($440 mil with interest) bond for a new high school and HVAC upgrades, against declining enrollment, school closures, and fiscal responsibility. District enrollment has fallen by over 1,300 students since 2015 and is projected to drop up to 140 students per year. This proposal for a shrinking student body is not a responsible use of taxpayer money.
Saying no to the bond doesn’t affect the district’s operating budget, which is funded by the legislature. About 75 percent of state funding is driven by enrollment, so the current nearly $16,000 per-student cost will rise as enrollment falls. The district already runs multi-million-dollar deficits and failed accounting for a $9 million error that forced the closure of Columbia Elementary and the layoff of more than 60 staff.
Committing the community to $275 million in debt creates a tax burden lasting a generation or more. The existing high school, only 50 years old, once promoted as a 100-year investment, may need maintenance and upgrades rather than replacement.
We propose a thorough review to address issues with the current building. Under ongoing deficits and falling enrollment, constructing a new school is neither necessary, nor equitable.
Rebuttal of argument for
The district’s pitch mentions safety four times to evoke emotion. Safety is important to us all. But don’t be fooled. WSD buildings meet safety standards, or they’d be shutdown by now! Student safety is related to expectations, discipline and supervision. Those issues can’t be solved with new buildings.
Burdening taxpayers with a $444 million debt is extravagant, irresponsible and unnecessary. Existing buildings can be renovated for a fraction of the cost. Save WHS. Vote No.