Ephrata School Board Advances $75M Bond to February Ballot

The Ephrata School Board on Monday approved a resolution placing a $75 million, 25-year school construction bond before voters in the Feb. 10, 2026, ballot, advancing a major facilities proposal shaped by a two-year, community-driven review.

The action follows extensive study by the district’s Community Facilities Study Group, which examined building conditions, enrollment trends and educational needs across the district. The group’s recommendations helped define the scope of the proposal and reflect broad community input.

If approved, Proposition 1 would replace Grant Elementary and Parkway Intermediate schools, both of which the Facilities Study Group found to be aging and no longer meeting modern educational standards. The measure would also partially renovate and expand Ephrata High School (EHS) by adding classrooms, building a new front office and secure entry vestibule and constructing a new, modern performing arts auditorium to replace the aging Performing Arts Center (PAC).

“Our schools are the heart of Ephrata,” said Ephrata School District Superintendent, Ken Murray. “This bond would secure the next 40 years of our community’s K-8 schools and set up Ephrata High School for the next phase of improvements. It would allow us to replace outdated buildings, strengthen safety and create learning environments that support students now and for decades to come.”

The $75 million in general obligation bonds would be repaid over 25 years through annual property taxes. The district expects to receive up to $27.4 million in School Construction Assistance Program (SCAP) funding from the state to help cover eligible project costs.

For the average Ephrata home with an assessed value of $300,000, the bond is estimated to increase taxes by about $32.67 per month from 2026 to 2027. The district projects the combined school tax rate to rise by roughly $1.07 per $1,000 of assessed value - increasing from roughly $3.59 in 2026 to roughly $4.66 in 2027 - and then remain steady*. Actual costs may be lower if property values continue to grow at recent rates. Even with the proposed bond, total school tax rates are expected to remain below historical levels.

Tax exemptions may be available for qualifying homeowners through the county assessor offices. For more information visit www.grantcountywa.gov/248/Assessor. 

More information about Proposition1 is available at www.TigersVote.org.

* Assumes 4% assessed value (AV) growth through 2029 and 3% after. Actual costs may be lower if assessed values grow faster than current assumptions.

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About Ephrata Schools:
Since 1909, Ephrata Schools have provided a quality public education to all students, regardless of ability, race, wealth, language, religion or country of origin. At Ephrata Schools, we are unified in bridging kids and their learning. We are deeply committed to every child's journey and work hard to ensure that every student graduates ready for career and life. For more information about the Ephrata School District, please visit www.EphrataSchools.org.