Arlington’s Post Middle School at center of bond discussions

ARLINGTON — The school district here is seeking suggestions as a committee considers a tax measure for updating or replacing buildings.

Among the possible projects is a rebuild of Post Middle School, something that has been on the district’s to-do list for nearly a decade.

Since September, the 27-person committee has been meeting monthly, revisiting work it started several years ago with the drafting of a master facilities plan.

The Arlington School Board will make final decisions about how much money to ask for and when a bond might appear on the ballot. The committee previously recommended slotting the bond for 2020, when debt from building the high school should be paid off, said Brian Lewis, executive director of operations. That would allow tax rates to stay level as a new bond replaces the old.

Much of the focus is on Post Middle School, built 37 years ago. Since then, seven classrooms have been added, and no other renovations were done. The school doesn’t meet standards for fire or earthquake safety, and is not energy efficient, according to the district. The building lacks the types of spaces and technology needed for modern science, engineering, art and technology classes.

There are 572 students at Post, one of two schools in the district that serve 6th through 8th grade. Lewis expects space will be needed for more than 120 new students by 2025.

“Haller Middle School is full,” he said. “We’re going to be relying on Post to handle any growth that comes our way in the middle grades.”

Post Middle School is four buildings with exterior walkways, which the district says poses a security problem. The school, at 1220 E 5th St., also is near a hill considered by the state to be at risk for a landslide. There’s enough room on the property to rebuild farther from the slope, Lewis said.

In 2014, the cost estimate for a new Post Middle School was $56 million. Renovating likely would cost 75 percent to 80 percent of that, according to the district.

“We do have an urgency to replace Post,” Lewis said. “That project has been under discussion since 2008, prior to the economic collapse, and it took a back burner at that time.”

Updated cost estimates for the the middle school and other projects are being done, he said. The facilities committee has been working with McGranahan Architects. The firm is involved in multiple nearby projects, including the new Stanwood and Lakewood high schools.

Other items being considered as part of a bond in Arlington are: district-wide upgrades to security, including cameras, better classroom locks and building entryways; improved athletic and play fields; an overhaul of the district’s transportation center; and technology enhancements.

A survey is online. Among the questions are whether participants would be likely to vote in a special election, and what’s important to them. They can tell the district if they are more concerned about how much projects would cost, what specific upgrades would be done or how the district has maintained its buildings.

Planners also want to know whether people are interested in general improvements across buildings or targeted projects for specific schools and programs.

One page of the survey contains information about Post Middle School, including the building’s age and reported safety risks, in the form of “Did you know …” questions. It then asks if, given the information, the respondent would support a new middle school.

“We don’t want to push something that’s not ready,” Lewis said.

The survey is expected to remain open into mid-June and is online at the district’s website, asd.wednet.edu.

Kari Bray: 425-339-3439; kbray@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

Snohomish County Health Department Director Dennis Worsham on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County Health Department director tapped as WA health secretary

Dennis Worsham became the first director of the county health department in January 2023. His last day will be July 3.

Lily Lamoureux stacks Weebly Funko toys in preparation for Funko Friday at Funko Field in Everett on July 12, 2019.  Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Everett-based Funko ousts its CEO after 14 months

The company, known for its toy figures based on pop culture, named Michael Lunsford as its interim CEO.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Teen dives into Silver Lake to rescue 11-year-old

A 13-year-old boy brought the child to the surface, authorities said. The 11-year-old is in stable but critical condition.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Mukilteo in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
On second go, Mukilteo City Council votes against sales tax hike

A veto from Mayor Joe Marine forced the council to bring the potential 0.1% sales tax increase back for another vote Monday.

Two visitors comb the beach at Kayak Point Regional County Park on Friday, June 14, 2024, in Tulalip, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Nate Nehring and WSU Beach Watchers to host beach cleanup at Kayak Point

Children and families are especially encouraged to attend the event at Kayak Point Regional County Park.

One person dead in single-vehicle fatal crash near Stanwood

A 33-year-old male was found dead at the scene Monday evening with his vehicle partially wrapped around a tree.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.