Two years of community input, one vote for Ephrata's future: the Turnbulls weigh In
As lifelong Ephrata community members – and parents of two children who graduated from our district – we wholeheartedly support the upcoming school bond. Brian is an Ephrata High alumnus (Class of '86) and former Tiger athlete, and Wendy and I have volunteered at countless school and local events. We've seen firsthand how much our schools mean to families here.
Our own children thrived at Ephrata schools, but we know improvements are overdue. Currently, nearly half of our youngest students are split between an old Grant Elementary and portables – over 40% of Grant's kids are in temporary classrooms that lack the stability, security, and resources of permanent spaces. This bond would finance a brand‐new Grant Elementary so all K–4 students learn together in secure, modern buildings – no more portables, no more split campuses.
Parkway Intermediate needs upgrades too. Our children experienced the crowding and safety hassles there: the current site sits deep in a neighborhood with traffic and limited space. Parkway lacks adequate gym or cafeteria space. The bond calls for a new Parkway campus on district land with a full-size gym, cafeteria and enough classrooms – eliminating portables and neighborhood traffic hazards. That means safer drop-offs and more room for students (and sports teams) in a state-of-the-art school.
This bond adds classrooms and a secure new main office at EHS, and builds a modern Performing Arts Center (PAC) to replace our aging auditorium. Better facilities for music, theater, and sports will boost school spirit and student safety during events.
This proposal was developed through two years of community input. It would replace aging schools and add modern facilities, giving our kids the safe, up‐to‐date learning spaces they deserve. We also appreciate that local funding for this bond unlocks about $27 million in state match for Ephrata, stretching our tax dollars further. Wendy and I have poured hours into PTA, sports boosters, and community programs, and we know every child – on the playground or on the field – benefits from a well-equipped, secure school.
Please join us in supporting the February 2026 bond. It's a community-driven plan to update our schools, improve safety, and ensure the next generation of Tigers have the facilities they need to succeed.
Brian Turnbull (EHS Class of 1986) and Wendy Turnbull – Proud Ephrata residents, volunteers, and parents
This post is sponsored by the Ephrata Citizen’s Levy Committee
