SB receives appropriation in recently approved capital budget

Chauncey Davis Elementary was constructed in 1951

With state matching funds and a special appropriation recently approved by the Washington State Legislature, South Bend is slated to receive over 70% of the costs toward building a new elementary school. The biennial capital budget overwhelmingly passed both chambers and will be sent to the Governor to sign promptly.

What does this mean for South Bend?

Specifically, the special appropriation provides $7,712,000 for the construction of a new elementary school for South Bend's K-6 students.  In addition to these funds, the state School Construction Assistance Program (SCAP) managed through the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) will provide between $3.5-$4 million dollars in state matching funds.  In total, South Bend voters will receive over $11 million dollars to help construct our new school.

The school district has been working with our community facility committee and architects for the last year to develop the initial planning and scope for the new school.  The approximate building costs and contingencies are between $15.8-$16.2 million.  

What would the local cost share be?

At their regular January meeting, the South Bend school board of directors unanimously voted to propose a $4.95 million dollar school construction bond to voters this spring.  The bond will be on the April 24, 2018 ballot, and if approved, would be levied over a 20 year period.  Based on our most recent analysis, this would cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $185 dollars per year, or just over $15 per month.

What happens next?

The state providing 70% of the costs to build a new school is almost unheard of for any community.  We take this opportunity seriously and are striving to do our best to bring the reality of a new school to our kids.  From now until April 24, we will conduct a campaign to inform and educate our voters why a new school is needed and all it will provide our students.  If anyone in our community has questions, ideas, or would like to learn more, please contact superintendent Jon Tienhaara at 360-875-6041 or jtienhaa@southbendschools.org.