It is a proposal approved by the Yakima School District Board of Directors through Resolution No. 04.25.26. The measure asks voters whether the District may issue general obligation bonds not to exceed $200,000,000 for capital projects listed in the resolution.

The resolution identifies full replacement of Hoover Elementary School (constructed in 1947) and Garfield Elementary School (constructed in 1966).

The resolution lists several district-wide capital improvements, including:
• Title IX and ADA upgrades
• Roof repairs and replacements
• Sidewalk, courtyard, paving, and drainage projects
• Playground upgrades and replacements
• HVAC system replacements
• Turf replacement, track resurfacing, and court repairs
• Other modernizations and facility updates identified by the Board
• Project management for these improvements

In 2022 and again in 2025, groups of community members met with district staff to review facility data and long-term needs. The 2022 group worked with then–Deputy Superintendent Rob Darling, and the 2025 group worked with Assistant Superintendent of Finance Jake Kuper. Both groups reviewed facility conditions, enrollment information, and capital planning data. Their recommendations were provided to Superintendent Greene and informed the list of projects included in the April 2026 bond measure.

The Board authorized bonds in an amount not to exceed $200,000,000, as stated in Resolution No. 04.25.26.

Based on financial modeling shared with the Board in November 2025:
• Estimated monthly impact for the average homeowner: $20.50
• Average assessed home value (Yakima County): $311,600
• Estimates assume a 20-year term, two bond sales (2026 and 2028), conservative assessed-valuation growth assumptions, and interest-rate cushions.

The District may be eligible to receive up to $20,439,870 in state funds, based on current state formulas under Chapter 28A.525 RCW. Actual amounts depend on final state calculations.

All projects listed on this page come directly from Section 2 of the Board-adopted Resolution No. 04.25.26. The Board determines the application of available funds to the projects described.

The resolution states that the bonds would have a maximum term of 20 years, unless paid earlier.

The Special Election for this measure is scheduled for April 28, 2026, as set by the Yakima County Auditor.

According to the county’s election schedule, ballots are expected to be mailed approximately April 10, 2026.

The bond and staffing decisions are separate matters funded through entirely different sources. Bond dollars are constitutionally restricted to construction and facilities — they cannot be used for salaries, programs, or operations under any circumstances. Staffing levels are determined by enrollment and funded through the operating budget. These are two different financial structures with two different purposes.

On enrollment: Yes, district enrollment has declined, as it has across most Washington districts post-pandemic. The bond accounts for this. Hoover and Garfield are being replaced — not expanded. The new buildings are sized for current and projected enrollment, not peak historical capacity.

On the building designs: the renderings show modern elementary schools designed to current safety, accessibility, and energy standards. Hoover was built in 1947. Garfield was built in 1966. Both have outlived their useful life. The question is not whether to replace them eventually — it is whether to replace them now with state matching funds covering up to $20.4 million of the cost, or to wait and pay a higher price later.

On Dr. Greene’s salary: Superintendent compensation in Washington is set by the school board and is publicly reported. Salary comparisons to a national average require context — cost of living, district size, scope of responsibility, and regional market rates all factor into compensation decisions made by elected board members.

While the bond includes "track resurfacing and court repairs" as part of district-wide facility improvements, specific stadium projects like Kumler Track were not initially prioritized in the primary $200 million package. However, it is possible but not guaranteed that Kumler can be included in this resurfacing package from the vendor at this time. The district's current focus for these funds remains on school replacements and urgent safety/infrastructure needs across all sites.

Student Location: The Hoover campus is large enough to build the new school while students continue to attend class in the current building. Conversely, the Garfield footprint is not large enough for this process; therefore, Garfield students will attend school with their specific teacher and classmates in a different building. Of course, transportation will be provided by the district during this transition.

Tax Rate: You are correct that the estimated bond rate is $0.79 per $1,000 of assessed property value. For an average home in Yakima County (valued at ~$315,000), this is approximately $21 per month. 

Bundling these projects allows the district to maximize cost efficiency, lock in current construction rates, and qualify for up to $20.4 million in state matching funds. Assuming the schedule holds:

Hoover Elementary is expected to be constructed first, with students moving into the new school in the fall of 2028.

Garfield Elementary will follow, with students moving into their new facility in the fall of 2029.

The proposed new field is for Davis High School girls' softball will be located at Sunny Field near Lewis & Clark Middle School. This project is part of a broader Title IX and ADA upgrade initiative to ensure facilities are equitable and compatible across the district.

The bond is a key strategy to stabilize enrollment by providing modern, safe, and competitive learning environments. Updated buildings promote student pride and stability, helping the district remain a first-choice option for Yakima families.

Yes, the public will have opportunities to share thoughts. The district will use a process called "Ed Specifications" involving staff and community members to design the new schools. This process includes addressing site layout concerns like traffic safety and pick-up/drop-off flow.

Executive oversight: The YSD director of facilities will be the project manager. He will meet regularly to provide updates to the superintendent and CFO.

Project management:  Architects and general contractors selected through a public process.

Board oversight: The superintendent will provide updates to the Yakima School Board at the public school board meetings, including budget, schedule, and progress reporting.

Hoover Elementary will be a complete rebuild. Because the Hoover campus is large enough, the new school will be built in the field while students remain in the current building until the expected move-in during the fall of 2028. Once the new facility is finished, the 1947 building will be demolished to create new parking and playground spaces.

The bond includes safety upgrades such as sidewalks, courtyards, and asphalt. In addition, the two new schools will feature a single point of entry to enhance campus security. While specific items like skywalk security or additional perimeter fencing at Davis are not currently itemized in this $200 million resolution, the district continues to evaluate and prioritize all campus safety needs. The project breakdown has been included for your reference.