Sultan School District board approves resolution to place $140 million bond on November ballot

The Sultan School District board voted on May 26 to place Resolution 25-10, a proposed $140 million bond measure, on the Nov. 3 election ballot.

Presenter (speaker 4) told the board the packet includes both the $140 million ask and a prior $130 million version so members can compare rates. The presentation explained that if voters approve the bond, the district could stop collecting the current capital projects levy and could also choose to remove a 25¢ technology levy collection to lower the combined rate. The resolution's filing deadline with the county elections office was stated as August 3 or 4.

Chair (speaker 1) said the district's 2024 capital facilities plan and the county's adoption of that plan support proceeding with the bond. The board said attorneys who reviewed the public concerns found no legal barrier to placing the measure on the ballot.

Board members debated timing, staffing implications and outreach. One member urged moving ahead because delaying would likely increase costs; another urged additional community input and asked to see the updated capital facilities draft and attorney responses before finalizing outreach. Presenter (speaker 4) reiterated that bond dollars are restricted to capital projects and cannot be used to resolve staffing shortages.

The board moved and seconded the resolution; the motion carried. During the roll call at least one member registered opposition and one recorded an abstention; the board chair declared the motion carried and directed staff to proceed with required filings and follow-up communications.

Next steps: the district will finalize the resolution packet for filing with the county elections office by the early-August deadline and continue community engagement and FAQs for residents ahead of the Nov. 3 election.