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Staff recommend rerunning $400M capital bond on Nov. 3, 2026 ballot after February shortfall
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Summary
District staff reviewed February Proposition 2 results (57.2% yes, 24.49% turnout) and recommended placing a focused $400 million capital bond on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot to capture higher turnout, citing rising construction costs and local growth pressures; staff outlined a June–July timeline for resolutions and outreach.
Assistant Zimmerman presented district election data and staff recommendations after the Feb. 10 Proposition 2 capital bond failed to reach the 60% supermajority required for passage.
Zimmerman said 14,649 ballots were returned from 60,110 registered voters in the district (a 24.49% turnout) and that 57.2% of ballots cast were in favor — a majority but short of the 60% threshold. Citing both the turnout pattern and historical second‑attempt outcomes for bond measures, Zimmerman recommended rerunning a focused bond measure on Nov. 3, 2026 to reach a broader electorate and allow more time for outreach.
Staff outlined a proposed $400,000,000 package of capital priorities, saying those needs remain while construction costs have escalated. Zimmerman noted construction cost escalation examples, including an asserted 43% increase in regional construction costs from 2020 to 2025, and presented a case study showing per‑square‑foot cost comparisons for a past elementary project and projected rebuild costs to illustrate how delay raises expense.
Zimmerman also cited external factors likely to increase student generation: planned Sound Transit light‑rail stations in the district, Paine Field master‑plan expansion, ongoing multifamily development near transit, and Snohomish County population projections that show continuing growth. Staff argued those forecasts add urgency to addressing facility needs.
Staff proposed next steps and a timeline: reconvening the capital advisory team in April, a board work session in June, introducing a bond resolution June 23, and adopting a model resolution July 21 so county deadlines are met. Zimmerman said the November general election typically produces higher turnout and gives more time for community outreach focused on the bond only (not bundled with levies).
No formal board action to place the bond on a ballot occurred at the meeting; staff presented the recommendation for future formal consideration.
