One-year bond update - Feb 26, 2019

At this time last year, Kelso citizens overwhelmingly voted to approve a construction bond and educational levy to improve the learning experience for our students.  We are so thankful for the support and generosity of our community, and continue to work diligently to be good stewards of the funds allocated for public education ($98.6 million bond plus $59.4 million in state match funds for a total of $158 million).

After considerable input from the community, we ran the bond based on six priorities that rose to the top: safety and security, elementary school replacements, school modernization, adding and updating classrooms, traffic and parking, and updating athletic facilities. Since passing the bond and levy on February 13, 2018, we haven’t stopped working to make these priorities a reality for our students, staff and families. One year later, here are a few facts and figures about some of the 100 construction-related projects planned. Visit WeAreKelso.org for frequent updates.

Safety & Security

  • 6 – systems slated to be updated/added to improve safety and security across the district (door access control, video surveillance, exterior lighting, fencing, building design modifications, and communication systems)

School Replacements

  • 16 – stakeholder meetings determining educational specifications and major design elements for new elementary schools
  • 1,038 – hours district staff put in outside of the work day on planning and design in 2018/19
  • 7 – number of public events inviting community feedback
  • 2 – new elementary schools being built

School Modernizations

  • $45 million – total cost for school modernization projects, which include upgrades to plumbing, heating, ventilation, cooling, roofs, windows, and siding.
  • 4 – schools getting modernized (Butler Acres, Carrolls, Huntington and Rose Valley)

Updating Classrooms/Facilities

  • 5 Career Technical Education classrooms being updated this summer
  • 8 welding stations being added at KHS
  • 6 culinary kitchens at KHS to be upgraded
  • 1 – new KHS gym floor, bleachers and handrails

Traffic & Parking

  • 11 – properties purchased to improve traffic flow around Wallace and Butler Acres elementary schools

Athletic Facilities

  • 550,000 – pounds of sand and rubber infill between the fibers of the new synthetic turf at Schroeder Field
  • 8-25-18 – date of first game played on new turf at Schroeder Field
  • 40 – year-old elevator will be replaced
  • 3 – practice fields (at Kelso High, Coweeman, & Huntington) scheduled for improvements
  • 1 – additional gym at Huntington