Yakima School Bond for School Replacements and Renovations Shows Strong Support

Did you vote your ballot in the Yakima School District? The results from Tuesday’s special election show the $200 million bond is currently passing with 60.09% support, just slightly above the 60% threshold needed for approval. However, 39.91% of voters cast their ballots against the measure.

MORE BALLOTS REMAIN TO BE COUNTED

Yakima County Auditor Charles Ross says more ballots are still being counted this afternoon, with an estimated 500 to 800 ballots remaining to be processed. The final election certification and completion of all vote counting are expected by May 8.

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REPLACING AGING SCHOOLS

If approved, the bond funding will be used to replace Hoover and Garfield elementary schools. In addition to school replacements, the bond will fund renovations across other district schools—including upgrades to playgrounds, roof repairs, sidewalk improvements, and other general maintenance. The district also stands to receive a state funding match of $20 million if the bond passes.

IF APPROVED TAXES RISE

Taxpayers in the district should prepare for a slight increase in property taxes. The district’s property tax rate is projected to rise from $3.21 per $1,000 in 2026 to $4.01 per $1,000 in 2027, before decreasing to $3.84 per $1,000 in 2033.

LOTS OF BALLOTS WERE TRASHED

According to Ross, of the more than 37,000 ballots sent to district voters, only 17% were returned on election day. This marks the first bond measure in the Yakima School District in over 15 years.
The final results and certification are expected on May 8, after all ballots are thoroughly counted.