Everett board approves nearly $400 million capital bond and renews operations levy for February ballot

The Everett Public Schools board of directors voted Oct. 14 to place a capital bond measure and a renewal of the district’s expiring educational programs and operations levy on the Feb. 10, 2026, special-election ballot and to publicly back both measures.

The bond measure, approved as Resolution 13-25, calls for “just under $400,000,000” in capital funds to address aging facilities, overcrowding and program space needs, district staff said. The levy renewal, approved as Resolution 13-26, would continue local funding for enrichment programs and underfunded basic education services such as student transportation and special education.

The measures were the product of a months-long planning process conducted by a 29-member capital bond planning committee and reviewed by the district’s fiscal advisory council, staff said. The board also approved Resolution 13-29, a statement that authorizes district officials and board members to publicly support the two ballot propositions.

“Mister Fleckenstein” (staff member), who presented the bond proposal, told the board the package focuses on new construction, full modernizations, program expansions and system-wide safety and infrastructure upgrades. Key items spelled out by staff include a new elementary school to relieve southern-district overcrowding, a full replacement of Lowell Elementary School, modernization of Cascade High School Building 2 (cafeteria, library and performing arts), a new building for Cascade’s RCTE and Choice programs, expansion of synthetic fields at middle schools, replacement of aging portables and district-wide intrusion-detection and technology infrastructure upgrades.

Amber Bueller, speaking during public comment as an Everett Public Schools employee and parent who served on the capital bond planning committee, urged voter support. “This bond…is an investment in safer buildings, upgraded classrooms, energy efficient systems that reduce long term costs,” Bueller said. She told the board the committee toured buildings and reviewed data before recommending the package.

Board members said the package reflects prioritized needs and community input. Director Herman noted the district currently operates 103 elementary portables — “the equivalent of 2½ elementary schools,” staff and board discussion said — and called the bond package a response to long-term facility needs.

The levy presentation emphasized the levy’s role in funding programs not fully covered by state allocations, and staff said the estimated tax-rate effect of the combined bond and levy would reestablish a rate lower than the district’s 2022 estimate and below the 10‑year historical average. Staff also noted the levy rate is subject to state caps and final assessed-value changes.

Formal votes followed motions and seconds recorded in the meeting. The board adopted Resolution 13-25 (capital bond) and Resolution 13-26 (levy renewal) by voice votes with no recorded opposition; the board then approved Resolution 13-29 declaring its support for the measures. The meeting record shows the motions were moved and seconded and that the board responded “yay” with no opposing or abstaining votes.

If approved by voters in February, the bond would fund the projects described in the district’s planning materials and the levy would continue four years of local operating support; the measures will proceed to the county and state offices for required filings and election logistics.

The board also scheduled public outreach and informational events, and staff said they will provide additional details about estimated levy rates and the bond package as final figures become available from county assessors and the state.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 13-25, School construction and capital improvement bonds (capital bond, just under $400,000,000). Motion moved by Director Lawrence; seconded by Director Adkins. Outcome: approved (voice). Notes: bond funds allocated for new elementary, Lowell replacement, Cascade Building 2 modernization, RCTE/Choice building, safety/security system integration, synthetic fields, portables replacement, roofs/HVAC, technology infrastructure. Election date: Feb. 10, 2026.

- Resolution 13-26, 2026 renewal of expiring educational programs and operations levy (four-year renewal). Motion moved by Director Adkins; seconded by Director Rovalinski. Outcome: approved (voice). Notes: funding supports enrichment programs, student transportation, special education; levy rates subject to state caps and final assessed value.

- Resolution 13-29, board declaration of support for passage of the bond and levy propositions. Motion moved by Director Atkins; seconded by Director Lawrence. Outcome: approved (voice). Notes: resolution authorizes board members and staff to publicly advocate nonpartisan support for the two ballot measures.

The district will submit the resolutions to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and to county election officials, and staff said community events and voter information will follow in the coming months.