RICHLAND, Wash. — The Richland School District hopes to gain the community’s vote on a $314 Million dollar bond that would help support the construction of a new school.
On July 9th, the Richland School District met for one of their regular agendas where a new resolution was proposed and approved; Resolution 978. Resolution 978 would primarily focus on gathering funds to build a third high school in the Richland School District’s area, as well as continuing to fund safety and security enhancements.
The new bond would also help with other smaller projects, such as:
The construction of a “new innovative learning center” to replace the River’s Edge High School campus.Improvements to Hanford High School’s campus (I.e. The Hanford Stadium project, a new theater scene shop, and other capital improvements).The expansion of Richland High School (I.e. the construction of a multi-purpose room).Build a new Transportation facility.Install new tennis courts at Richland High and Hanford HighUpgrade roofs.Renovations of the second floor and parking lots of Chief Joseph Middle School.
In order for the bond to be put into action, the measure, which will be on November’s ballot, must reach a “super majority” of votes, totaling 60% or above.
Kenneth Spencer, the Benton County Treasurer, says that the bond will be paid back to investors by taxpayers living in the Richland School District’s area.
“The school district is the one that’s actually applying for the bonds and getting the bonds… But you and I as taxpayers are the ones that pay the bonds back,” said Spencer.
This particular bond matures within 20 years of it’s issue, according to the Richland School District’s resolution.
In 2023, the Richland School District approved a levy that raised property taxes for residents 23 cents per $1000 of assessed property value. If this new resolution/bond is passed in the November election, the 2023 levy will be cancelled and paid for under the new bond.