Ephrata School Board Moves Forward with February Bond Proposal

After two years of community study and analysis, the Ephrata School District is taking the next step toward a major facilities vote. The School Board has directed Superintendent, Ken Murray to finalize a bond resolution for consideration in November that could place a $75 million school bond on the February 2026 ballot. 

The proposed measure calls for replacing Grant Elementary and Parkway Intermediate schools and adding classrooms, a new main office and modern performing arts auditorium at Ephrata High School. These projects were recommended by the district’s Community Facilities Study Group, which spent the last two years reviewing facility conditions, enrollment trends and educational needs across the district.

“This community group gave countless hours to this process,” said Ken Murray. “Their recommendation reflects both the realities of our facilities and a shared commitment to providing equitable, high-quality learning spaces for every Ephrata student.”

GRANT ELEMENTARY
If approved, the bond would fund a new Grant Elementary to ensure that all K-4 students have access to learn in modern facilities. Currently, half of Ephrata’s youngest students attend class in an aging building, which is nearing the end of its useful life, while the other half learn in a newer facility. More than 40 percent of Grant Elementary students—including all third- and fourth-graders and life skills students—learn in portable classrooms that lack the stability, security and resources of permanent spaces.

Under the proposal, the new Grant Elementary would be built on district-owned property near Columbia Ridge Elementary, moving the school from its current location near Ephrata High School. The new site would allow construction to take place with minimal disruption to student learning, as classes would continue in the existing building until the new one is complete. The move also provides the district additional flexibility, allowing for K-4 grade reconfiguration to be considered, making it possible for students in the same grade to potentially learn in the same building.

PARKWAY INTERMEDIATE
The proposed bond would also replace Parkway Intermediate School, which faces significant safety and capacity challenges. Its current location, tucked deep within a neighborhood, creates traffic hazards and limits access for families. The building itself lacks adequate gym, cafeteria and event space for students, families and the community. A new facility would eliminate portable classrooms, provide properly sized learning and activity areas and be built on district-owned land near Grant Elementary.

The new Parkway Intermediate campus would be built on the current Grant Elementary campus, relocating the school from its present site between the City of Ephrata’s Parkway Fields and Lion’s Park. Like the Grant project, this plan keeps Parkway students in their current building during construction, minimizing disruption to learning - a priority identified throughout the district’s two-year community review. 

The new Parkway Intermediate campus would feature a new gymnasium with a full-size court and similar seating capacity to the new Ephrata Middle School gym, expanding space for school activities while also creating an additional venue for Ephrata High School athletic events and community use.

EPHRATA HIGH SCHOOL
At Ephrata High School, the bond would address overcrowding and safety concerns. The project includes several new classrooms, a secure main office and entry vestibule, and a new performing arts auditorium to replace the aging Performing Arts Center (PAC).

Building on lessons from previous bond construction and community input, construction at Ephrata High School would be timed to maintain student learning. After students move into the new Grant Elementary, the old building would remain in use as temporary classroom space until high school construction is complete, allowing a smooth transition without interrupting instruction.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The proposal builds on lessons learned from the district’s 2019 bond project and prioritizes new construction as the most cost-effective option compared with remodeling aging facilities. Of the total project cost, $75 million would be funded locally, representing an estimated tax increase of $1.07 per $1,000 of assessed property value per year. Up to $27 million additional in funding would come from the state’s School Construction Assistance Program (SCAP), which provides matching funds to support eligible school construction projects. 

If approved by voters in February 2026, construction of the new schools would begin in 2027, with the new Grant Elementary and Parkway Intermediate potentially opening in fall 2028 and the high school addition opening in fall 2029.

“The bond resolution is the result of careful community planning and shared vision,” said School Board Chair, Jim Adams. “It’s about investing wisely today to give our students the safe, modern learning spaces they deserve for decades to come.”

Community Facility Study Group member, Jeremy Burns shared, “Our group represented a wide range of voices - parents, educators, students and community members - and we reached a strong consensus. This plan reflects what is best for Ephrata students: equitable, sustainable schools that will serve generations of students.”

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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.

Autumn Dietrich and Jeremy Burns, members of the Ephrata School District's Community Facility Study Group, present at the Oct. 27 school board meeting. The group recommended the board consider a 2026 bond to replace Grant Elementary and Parkway Intermediate schools and to partially renovate Ephrata High School.

 

Cory Plager, Managing Director of DA Davidson, Ephrata School District's bond finance counsel, presents financial information related to a potential 2026 bond.

 

Shannon Sheneman, Grant Elementary Kindergarten Teacher, was one of several staff and community members to share perspective on current Ephrata School District facilities that would be impacted by a potential 2026 bond.