The Bethel School Board has unanimously approved a bond measure for the November ballot, one that will not increase the current tax rate.
The bond was recommended by a large District committee of community members, staff, and architects that spent months studying the facilities and programs in Bethel.
The bond would further improve student safety at Irving, provide a covered play area for rainy day recess, update our textbooks and student computers for in-person and remote learning, and make basic repairs to our roof, flooring, and ventilation system.
It would build a Vocational Ed Center at Willamette High School to create a modern learning space for hands-on programs like Computer Programming, Construction Design, Healthcare, and Robotics.
And, Cascade Middle School would also be replaced. The oldest school in the District, Cascade was built in 1955 and has numerous structural, mechanical and design issues that were identified in official reports submitted to the state.
In addition, if the $99 million bond passes, Bethel will be granted another $6 million in matching grants from the state.
Bethel’s last bond also did not increase anyone’s tax rate, and was passed by voters in 2012 with a 73% Yes vote.