January 26 School Board Highlights

Here are some of the highlights from the January 26, Ephrata School Board meeting. Members of the public are always welcome to attend board meetings. Meeting dates and times, board agendas and other information.

🏫2026 Bond Information Update

Superintendent, Ken Murray shared recent and upcoming efforts to provide the Ephrata Community with information on the 2026 Bond. Highlights include:

• 2026 Bond Facility Tour - On Wednesday, February 4, community members have an opportunity to tour buildings impacted by the proposed bond. The tour will begin at Columbia Ridge Elementary and then move on to Parkway Intermediate, Grant Elementary and EHS. Participants must RSVP to attend the tour by emailing info@ephrataschools.org

• EHS TigerVision students recently produced an informational video explaining the bond proposal. This was an optional assignment that aligned with class specific learning objectives that the student who participated chose to take on. Explaining the details of a bond proposal can be complex. TigerVision did a great job presenting the information in a clear, easy to understand way. Watch the video.

• TigersVote.org - Staff continues to update the website with answers to questions we’re hearing from our community. For up-to-date and accurate information, please visit TigersVote.org

• Responding to confusion on taxation - This week, there was some confusion online regarding school district taxation. To be clear, in 2026 there are three separate school related taxes that taxpayers are paying: an Educational Program & Operations (EP&O) Levy approved by voters in 2025, a Capital Levy approved by voters in 2023 and a Bond approved by voters in 2019. If voters approve the 2026 Bond, our community will still pay three separate school taxes: the EP&O Levy, the 2019 Bond and the 2026 Bond. To learn more about taxation and the 2026 Bond, please visit TigersVote.org 

🚌 Transportation Vehicle Surplus

The Board reviewed and approved the surplus of three school buses that have reached full depreciation and are no longer part of the district’s active transportation fleet. For school districts, vehicles are depreciated over a set number of years for accounting purposes. Once fully depreciated, the asset has no remaining book value, even though it may still have limited operational or resale value.

Surplusing these vehicles allows the district to responsibly manage aging equipment while maintaining a safe and reliable bus fleet for students. Proceeds from the surplus process will be returned to the district to help support future transportation needs.

🧡🖤School Board Appreciation Month

January is Board Appreciation Month, a time to recognize and thank the Ephrata School District Board of Directors for their dedication to our students, staff and community.

School board members volunteer countless hours reviewing complex information, setting district direction, ensuring accountability and making thoughtful decisions that support student success.

Superintendent Ken Murray shared, “Serving on a school board requires a deep level of commitment—often behind the scenes and without recognition. On behalf of the district, I want to thank our board members for their service, leadership, and continued dedication to doing what is best for our students and our community.”

🎁 Thank You, Community!

The board gratefully accepted the following donation over $500:

• Central Washington Athletic Conference: $3,000 to support high school athletics and activities.
• Vitalant: $1,200 to pay dues, travel and fees/expenses for EHS students/staff traveling to the HOSA State Convention in Spokane