Wenatchee School Board tentatively sets Nov. 3, 2026, election to run bond after underwriting review

The Wenatchee School Board voted on Nov. 1 to move forward with a proposed bond measure and tentatively set the election date for Nov. 3, 2026, after a financing presentation by bond underwriter Trevor Carlson of Piper Sandler.

Carlson told the board the proposal under discussion would fund a new high school and replace HVAC systems in seven schools. He emphasized that "decisions have not been made" and that his presentation was intended to provide modeling, tax‑rate examples and communications guidance. The underwriter used a conservative model assuming 3% annual assessed‑value growth and interest assumptions of today’s rates plus one percentage point.

Board members discussed timing and validation risk. Carlson noted Washington’s bond validation rule requires at least 60% approval and attention to turnout benchmarks; he cited recent validation issues in other districts and urged planning accordingly. Using a sample $290 million authorization split across three bond sales (2027–2029), Carlson showed an illustrative total tax‑rate example peaking near $4.38 in the modeling scenario, and described ways to moderate taxpayer impact over time.

Public speakers urged the board to put a bond before voters. Juan Rodriguez, identifying himself as co‑chair of the district’s "vote yes" committee, said the facilities planning committee had toured Wenatchee High School and concluded the bond was the most responsible long‑term solution. A student, Melanie Tobar, described heat, inadequate natural light and smoke‑related disruptions at Wenatchee High School and asked the board to support improved facilities.

Board members expressed support for running the measure and emphasized the date is tentative: President Jackson reminded the public that final resolution filing deadlines fall in August and that the board will finalize bond scope and formal approvals before any ballot placement. The board approved a motion to run the bond and to select Nov. 3, 2026, as the tentative election date by voice vote; individual recorded roll‑call tallies were not taken in the public record during the meeting.

Next steps include completion of detailed scope and cost estimates, final board approval of an authorization/resolution for the ballot, and the administrative filing steps required by the county auditor and state rules. Carlson and district staff said they would provide additional financial sensitivity analyses and communications planning to the Long Range Facilities Committee as the district continues planning.