by Richard Uhlhorn
Lake Chelan School District Superintendent Brad Wilson made a special presentation to the City Council on the potential $70 million dollar bond issue that will be presented to the district’s voters in November.
“We are in the pre-bond phase right now,” said Wilson. “There is no official bond issue yet.”
The district has been exploring the process leading to an eventual recommendation for the bond to be issued in November. “Bonds are challenging,” stated Wilson. “They require a 60% approval.” The district has no other bond issues currently.
The district began the process back in October, 2022 with a community/staff listening session and then a student listening session in November 2022.
In February, April, May and September of 2023 and then in March, April and September of 2024, the district worked with an 18 member Facilities Advisory Team to continue the process.
An OSPI grant was used for a study and survey completed by ALSC Architects of Spokane.
New elementary building:
The largest portion of the proposed bond issue is the construction of a new elementary building. MOE (Morgan Owens Elementary) was built in 1948 and has been rated as 30 percent effective for drainage, roofing, ceilings, plumbing, HVAC systems, fire protection, and electrical systems. OSPI rates the building at 50.30 out of 100.
The building is located adjacent to Hwy.97A which adds to safety concerns of the students.
“We got a good rounded view of what we need to do to our facilities,” Wilson stated.
The estimated costs to replace the elementary school and add Pre-Kindergarten is $54,740,000 with OSPI matching funding of $4,044,314 (only if bond passes).
Middle/High School:
The middle/high school has been rated only 30 percent effective (poor) for its roof, doors and windows, interior construction, ceilings, HVAC systems, electrical systems, audio communications, and electronic security & integrated automation systems.
The building is not up to industry standards for CTE learning. The bond issue would remode the metal and wood shop, move floor-weight room next to art room on the main floor and the mezzanine would become the wrestling room for an estimated cost of $9,550,000.
Mt. Goat Fields:
The field modernizations would include a track field with lights, more parking, locker rooms and two concession/bathroom buildings for $9,850,000.
Other issues:
It would cost an estimated $50 million to remodel the existing MOE building of which up to $6 million would be required to provide portable buildings while the remodel was being accomplished.
The proposed location for the new elementary building would be on the northwest end of the Community gymnasium property.
The overall cost to district property owners is estimated at $0.86/$1,000 of assessed value for a 20 year bond. A $500,000 home would cost the property owner $1.18 per day. Or $430.70 per year.
Presentation:
Brad Wilson can be reached at 509-682-3515 or by email at wilsonb@chelanschools.org.
Wilson’s presentation to the City Council can be seen here:
Facilities plan for April 9 community mtg.pdf
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