EVERETT, OCT. 17: Two measures will be placed on a special election ballot in February asking voters for a School Construction Bond and a renewal of an expiring Education Levy for the Everett Public Schools (EPS) District.
The School Construction Bond (Prop 1) would fund projects that address overcrowding and aging facilities, EPS said in a press release. The bond proposal asks for nearly $400 million.
The district currently uses 103 portable classrooms at its elementary schools, enough to fill 2.5 elementary schools, EPS said.
Proposed projects include building a brand-new elementary school totaled at $97.7 million in the south region of the district, as well as 12 classroom additions to existing schools at $22 million.
Another project would rebuild Lowell Elementary School at a cost of roughly $90.8 million. Additional projects include replacing and modernizing systems across the district.
The renewal of the Education Levy (Prop 2), if approved, would continue funding staff, programs and services not fully covered by the state.
Levy dollars make up roughly 15% of the district’s annual budget, EPS said. The renewal of the Education Levy would support staff, including counselors and health room assistants. Funds would also be put toward academic and enrichment programs, including STEM, arts and athletics.
Both of the combined proposals would establish a tax rate increase of $0.30 per $1,000 Assessed Value (AV). If both measures are approved, school district property taxes would increase from $3.64 per $1,000 AV to $3.95 by 2027, and to at least 2035.
“These measures are about providing the learning environments and resources our students need to be successful,” School Board President Traci Mitchell said in the release. “The bond addresses growth and safety in our schools, and the levy continues funding for the staff and programs that make learning possible every day.”
School districts are funded through state, local and federal dollars. EPS relies on voter-approved bonds to pay for construction and renovations to schools and classrooms. Bonds allow districts to collect money up front, with the debt paid off over time.
Two previous proposed bonds in 2018 and 2020 failed to pass, the Everett Herald reported.
Voters last approved a 6-year Replacement Capital Levy in 2022 totaling $325.5 million to replace aging schools and improve technology and safety.
The EPS Board of Directors approved placing the two measures on the Feb. 10, 2026, special election ballot.
Learn more at community events:
All community events to learn more about the measures will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025 – Cascade High School cafeteria
- Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026 – Cascade High School cafeteria
- Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 – Everett High School cafeteria
- Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 – Heatherwood Middle School cafeteria
