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Meridian School District is asking voters for a tax increase to fund major capital projects to address safety and space needs.
The district is seeking a $75-million, 20-year bond to build a new middle school, install a generator in Meridian High School, and repair and upgrade the Performing Arts Center and the Varsity Athletic Stadium at the high school. Taking up the biggest chunk of that money would be the new middle school, which administrators say is sorely needed.
The existing middle school is split into three buildings, plus portables. The main building was built in 1938, with subsequent buildings holding the cafeteria, library and other classrooms built in 1949 and 1974. The middle school campus requires students to walk outside to get to classrooms in other buildings and contains many exits, creating issues for teachers and administrators in monitoring students and ensuring safety in the event of a lockdown.
None of the buildings are up to seismic code either — the main building is considered very high risk in case of an earthquake and the other two buildings are considered high risk.
If the bond passes, the tax rate would be $1.38 per $1,000 in assessed value. For a person with a $550,000 property, this would cost $759 per year or $63.25 per month. Like all bond measures, if property values rise, the tax rate would adjust accordingly to ensure the district collects no more than the $75 million approved by voters.
A tour of the facility in September showed tight administrative spaces, very limited and small bathrooms, and countless signs of age: water fountains that no longer function, a lack of accessibility and a cafeteria with only two tiny windows.
In the winter, vents are covered up with cardboard to prevent snow and cold air from blowing into the building, High School Assistant Principal (formerly Middle School Assistant Principal) Robert Kratzig said. In one part of the main building, floors are slanted. Kratzig placed a ball on the floor and watched it roll toward the side of the classroom on the tilted floor. The showers in the boys locker room are non-functional: If they turn on, they flood the basement, Facilities Manager Jay Yeager said.
“There’s a point at which there’s repairs and then there’s a need for replacement,” Kratizg said.
A couple of weeks ago, administrators stumbled upon a pile of concrete outside — part of the non-reinforced concrete had crumbled and fallen off the side of the building. On the tour in September, some more had fallen.
Teachers and administrators make do with the space they have: An old, tiny nurse’s office with a now-nonfunctional sink serves as a space for a counselor. The actual nurse’s office is in a converted classroom with a portable sink brought in for water access.
And school leaders try hard to make the old building welcoming: “We want to have them be excited to learn, excited to be here and the facility plays a role in that,” Kratzig said.
Meridian School District is stretched for space, so if the bond passes, the new middle school facility would add fifth graders to lessen pressure on the already very-full Irene Reither Elementary School.
Other bond projects
The other projects the bond would pay for are less expensive but no less important, administrators said. A generator in the high school is needed as there’s no way to call the school if the power goes out. Administrators have previously given out their cell phone numbers to parents in case of a power outage. The Varsity Stadium’s lighting poles are in desperate need of replacement, Yeager said. They’re rotting, and occasionally sway.
The construction of a new middle school is expected to cost $86.92 million, but with $16 million expected in funding from the state, the bond asks for less than the full cost of the construction.
The generator will cost the district $400,000, while repairs to the Performing Arts Center will cost $2.18 million, and the stadium repairs $1.5 million, according to materials.
Charlotte Alden is CDN’s general assignment/enterprise reporter; reach her at charlottealden@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 123.
