Pasco Voters Might Vote (Again) On School Bond

After the last effort to build new schools and refurbish others failed, Pasco voters might again be asked to pass a bond, perhaps as early as November.

Despite having one of the fastest growing districts in the state, Pasco voters shot down a plan that would have built new elementary schools, fixed others, built a much needed  bus barn and other changes. Pasco has had a history of frequently defeating such measures.

There could be a $104 million dollar bond before voters in November, reports the Tri-City Herald. The district has been working with the MGT Consulting Group to boost awareness and change their message after the bond failed in February.

Pasco has seen it's student population nearly double since 2007, now it's well over 17,000. Much of that growth has been in the elementary grades K-5.

The much-needed project, if passed, would add $.69 cents per every $1,000 of assessed value. For a $200,000 home, that would be a cost of about $138 annually.

A new middle school would likely be built, and Issac Stevens Middle School would be remodeled. Pasco has been trying to move sixth graders back into middle schools, this effort began after voters also failed the bond in February of 2011.