Understanding the Impact of the Aug. 9 Bond Election and Overcrowding
Understanding the Impact of the Aug. 9 Bond Election and Overcrowding
Pictured: Overcrowding in East Ridge High School’s hallways.
Over the next 10 years, more than 3,500 potential new K-12 students are expected to move into the district. Current projections show that 15 schools will be over capacity and we will have a deficit of nearly 2,500 K-12 seats for students by 2031 if we do nothing.
To help, SoWashCo Schools will ask voters to consider approval of a $462.6 million bond on Aug. 9, 2022. A bond is the only method to raise enough funds for construction, renovations and additions to meet the needs of our growing community.
If Voters Approve the Ballot Question:
- Efficient use of current buildings
- Expansion of early learning programs and services
- Construction of two elementary schools
- Expansion of three high schools
- Improvements to facilities districtwide
- Purchase of land for future growth
- Accommodate early learning, special education and community education programming
- Minimal changes to attendance boundaries
If Voters Do Not Approve the Ballot Question:
If voters do not approve the bond, the current 10-year facility plan will be modified, but not dismantled, in order to address growth where it is occurring. With some schools overcapacity, there will likely be extensive boundary changes prior to 2025. Other considerations include:
- Beginning an alternative long-range facility planning process and considering all options available
- Returning to voters with a new election in February 2023
- Exploring temporary portable trailers at some school sites
Vote Starting June 24
Early in-person voting is Friday, June 24 and ends Monday, Aug. 8 and is also available from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6. View the early voting sites and all early voting options.