NOTE: The following is a release issued Tuesday by the Enumclaw School District. A story will follow in the next edition of The Courier-Herald.

At their meeting on January 5, 2015, the Enumclaw School District Board of Directors approved a resolution to place a bond measure on the ballot in April 2015.  This decision came after nearly a year of study and research of all facilities within the Enumclaw School District as well as reviewing feedback from community meetings and staff and community surveys.  The bond will:

• Erect a two-story, secure and enclosed structure on the south side of the Enumclaw High School campus that would replace aging classrooms, the library, science labs, music facility, auditorium and gymnasium. This replacement structure would dovetail into the remodeled commons, offices, and art and automotive wing (2000) creating a more secure facility for students, guests and staff.

•   Build a new, two-story Black Diamond Elementary School at the current location, replacing the aging structure and bringing students and staff together under one roof for a safe and uniform learning environment.

This bond proposes renewing the existing bond that built Thunder Mt. Middle School.  In October 2014, the tax rate for the existing bond was $1.60/$1000 of home value. The bond that is being proposed will be at a rate of $1.60/$1000 of home value – not one penny more.  The Board of Directors, cognizant of being good stewards with tax monies, was strategic in keeping taxes at this flat rate.   Renewing the bond that built TMMS (same tax rate) will generate $68,555,000. Because of the high need, these two projects (Enumclaw High School and Black Diamond Elementary School) also qualify for $18.1 million in state construction match money. The total budget combining these two funding sources would be $86,655,000.

Below is the projected budget for Black Diamond Elementary and Enumclaw High School as identified by BLRB Architects.

The bond measure will need a 60% supermajority to pass.  Once the measure is approved, the school district will finalize plans and begin to seek building permits.  Construction at both facilities will begin in July 2016.  Black Diamond Elementary School will be completed in September 2017.  Enumclaw High School will be completed over two phases with the first phase completed in September 2017 and the second phase completed in September 2018.

For more information about the bond, please visit the Enumclaw School District website. http://www.enumclaw.wednet.edu/departments/facilities/facility_conditions/default.aspx

Questions or comments can be sent to Superintendent Mike Nelson. michael_nelson@enumclaw.wednet.edu