Everett Public Schools outlines $396.8 million bond, levy renewal at Mill Creek council meeting
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Summary
Everett Public Schools officials presented the district's proposed $396.8 million construction bond (Proposition 1) and a renewal educational levy (Proposition 2) on Feb. 10, 2026; presenters said the bond would add permanent classroom capacity, modernize aging schools and fund safety improvements while the levy (a replacement) would continue funding staff and programs.
Everett Public Schools representatives visited the Mill Creek City Council on Dec. 2 to preview two measures that will appear on the Feb. 10, 2026 ballot.
Deputy Superintendent Peter Scott said voters will see Proposition 1, a capital construction bond, and Proposition 2, a renewal of the educational programs and operations levy. Scott noted the levy is a replacement, not a new tax, and encouraged residents to attend district open‑house events in January to review details.
Larry Fleckenstein, the district's chief operating officer, presented the bond's principal aims: add permanent classroom capacity to reduce reliance on portable classrooms, modernize aging schools, fund safety and security upgrades and expand CTE/STEM facilities. Fleckenstein said Everett uses roughly 103 portables districtwide and that about one in four elementary students attend class in a portable. The bond package he described totals $396,800,000 and, under state law, would require a 60% supermajority to pass.
Andy Tress, the district chief financial officer, laid out the fiscal context for Proposition 2, the levy renewal. He said about 15% of the district's annual operating budget is funded by the local four‑year levy and that the levy money supports counselors, social workers, classroom assistants, health room staff, custodians and other positions and programs not fully funded by the state. Tress said the combined estimated tax rate for the 2026 bond and levy would be about $3.95 per $1,000 of assessed value — roughly 30 cents higher than the current rate — and that ballots will be mailed in January.
Council members asked how the bond would affect specific Mill Creek schools and whether an additional elementary school would replace or add to existing capacity. Fleckenstein said the bond would create an 18th elementary school in the district's count (elementary 19) rather than replace Mill Creek Elementary, and he identified a southeast district location as the planned site to address concentrated portable use there. Fleckenstein added that the district has a 96.3% graduation rate and emphasized safety needs at older buildings that no longer meet modern codes.
The presentation closed with a reminder about January open‑house events at Everett High School, Cascade High School and Heatherwood Middle School where community members can review maps, ask detailed questions and view project renderings.
The council did not take action on the school measures; the presentation was informational and followed by Q&A. Everett officials said detailed project lists, frequently asked questions and a two‑page summary would be posted on the district website and distributed at the events.
