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Blaine School District will ask voters for the second time to approve a tax increase to fund a major renovation of Blaine Middle School and other capital projects.
The $70 million bond fell short of passing in the February special election by about 5 percentage points. Bonds need 60% affirmative votes to pass.
The new ask in November is essentially the same: The district wants to replace outdated and aging instructional spaces in the middle school to prioritize safety and security, upgrade Pipeline Fields, improve the playground at Point Roberts Primary School, replace electrical and mechanical systems in buildings across campus, and fund designs for the future Birch Bay elementary school.
The only small differences are that the new measure asks for a 20-year bond instead of a 25-year bond, and factors in the construction of a cover over the tennis courts at the elementary school to add an additional space for outdoor education.
The tax rate would be 76 cents per $1,000 in assessed property value. A home worth $500,000 in 2025 could expect to pay roughly $380 a year.
Superintendent Christopher Granger told Cascadia Daily News that there was a lot of “misinformation” during the February election, and since then, the district has been working to get out accurate information about the bond.
“We’re continuing to educate people that the bond is for building, it doesn’t have anything to do with the balancing of the budget,” he said.
Granger said it’s important the measure passes so Blaine can build a school that meets the “educational needs” of students.
“If this passes, the middle school will be the cornerstone of our district. It’s right there, down the main strip in Blaine,” said Kevin Reid, a parent of Blaine students and a member of the Yes committee. “It’s just going to provide a safe place, atmosphere for the young kids coming in.”
Reid said he’s been trying to encourage people to ask questions if they’re confused about the bond.
“You have to remember this is for the future of our district, the future of our community, the future of these kids,” he said.
Charlotte Alden is CDN’s general assignment/enterprise reporter; reach her at charlottealden@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 123.
