Ephrata to seek feedback over failed school bond proposition

EPHRATA — Ephrata schools superintendent Ken Murray on Monday outlined plans for additional community outreach in the wake of last month’s election loss for a proposed 25-year, $75 million construction bond.

The Feb. 10 ballot measure only garnered 47.4% voter approval, short of the 60% required for passage. In particular, rural voters within the district opposed the measure, which called for raising property taxes about $1.07 per $1,000 of assessed valuation with collection to begin in 2027.

If approved, it would have also qualifed Ephrata for an additional $27.4 million in non-taxed state funding. Together, the monies would have financed construction of two new schools to replace aging Grant Elementary and Parkway Intermediate, plus add more classrooms and a new performing arts center at Ephrata High School.

During Monday’s school board meeting, Murray said a survey is being developed to seek feedback from both staff and the public to better understand questions and concerns about the proposition.

In addition, Murray said there are plans to reconvene a facilities study group which initially studied and provided input in developing the bond recommendation. The group will be expanded to include “more representative voices” from the community and is expected to meet sometime in April, he indicated.

“The district’s goal is to use this feedback to refine its approach, with a revised bond proposal anticipated for school board consideration in late fall,” the district said in a summary of Monday’s meeting.

If a new ballot proposition is developed and okayed by the school board, it would likely be set for a special election in February 2027, said Murray.

In other business during their meeting, school board members Casey Devine, Mike Fleurkens, Matthew Truscott, and Josh Sainsbury:

—   Gave recognition to a large contingent of students — from elementary to high school — and their coaches, advisors, and teacher leaders for a diverse number of special achievements this school year.  They included state-qualifying and championship athletes, cheer team, FFA members, math and Lego robotics teams, and aspiring healthcare providers.

“It’s a celebration of their accomplishments,” said Murray, who also thanked parents and families for their continued support.

—   Received an update from Murray and assistant superintendent and former EHS principal Aaron Cummings about the pending roof replacement project at the high school.

Following a walk-through last week with personnel from Design West Architects, Cummings said a design will be presented next month to the City of Ephrata for a building permit, followed by a call for construction bids with a bid opening anticipated in early May.

If a bid is awarded, construction will begin after the school year ends in June with substantial completion expected by the time classes resume in late August, Cummings said.

The 40-year-old school has previously been reroofed, but a warranty period is ending and structural flaws in the original design have contributed to recurring water leaks and interior damage. Plans call for replacing the roof on both the main building and gymnasium, an expanse of about 64,000 square feet.

Total project cost is estimated upward of $2.3 million. Murray has said funding will be a combination of reserves, budgeted capital project dollars, and possibly some leftover capital levy monies.  

—   Approved surplusing three older buses and purchasing up to three new replacements with an authorized total expenditure of $620,243. Cummings and district business manager Allison Razey explained there is uncertainty over recent legislation potentially affecting state depreciation schedules which provide funding for local school districts to replace buses.

Cummings said there is a bid quote from RWC Group of Spokane for new buses which expires April 1 and the district wanted to take advantage of it now because prices are likely to rise in the future. Due to the legislation puzzlement, it was unsure whether state depreciation would cover the cost of all three buses. If not, said Cummings, the district will purchase two and reconsider the third one later.

—   Received an update from Devine, as the board’s legislative liaison, about state lawmakers’ 2026 session that concluded March 12. For K-12 schools, it was a “mix of wins, setbacks, and new requirements,” she reported.

Devine said the state school directors’ association was able to modify most of the legislators’ proposed unfunded and underfunded mandates on local schools, and that public schools are exempted from sales tax associated with Washington’s new “millionaire’s income tax” levied against the state’s highest earners. The income tax likely faces a constitutional challenge and may be overturned in court, but schools would remain exempt through a severability clause.

Setbacks include a $25 million cut statewide in Washington’s Local Effort Assistance funding, formerly known as levy equalization monies, provided to school districts like Ephrata to offset their tax limitations due to low overall assessed property valuations. Combined, local levy dollars and state LEA funds comprise about 10% of Ephrata’s annual budget. Prior to the legislative session, the district had an expection of receiving increased funding in the future

—   Approved a $63,743 expenditure of career and technical education funds to purchase 31 new computer towers from Dell to provide upgraded equipment and technology in the oldest of the high school’s four computer labs.

—   Announced that Karla Williams intends to return to the classroom as a fourth-grade teacher at Grant Elementary this fall after serving eight years as principal at Columbia Ridge. Where she did “a phenomenal job,” said Murray, adding, “and Karla is an excellent teacher.

A process is underway to determine Williams’ successor as principal at the Ridge. 

In a statement issued Monday by the district, Williams was lauded for her leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic and the school’s major remodeling/new construction project.

While the decision to step down was a difficult one, Williams said, “At my core, I am a teacher, and the classroom is where my heart truly belongs.”

“I am excited to return to teaching as a fourth-grade teacher at Grant Elementary, where I can continue supporting and inspiring students every day," she continued. “I am grateful for the trust, collaboration, and care of our students, families and staff. It has been an honor to serve as principal, and I look forward to this next chapter.”