Cassandra Bunney

The Monroe School District is presenting two ballot measures, Proposition 1 and Proposition 2, for the February 2026 Special Election. Proposition 1 proposes a bond to fund facility needs, including safety improvements, major maintenance, modernization, and expansion projects across various schools, to be repaid over a 21-year period. Proposition 2 seeks to renew an expiring four-year Education Levy to continue funding essential day-to-day operations, staff, and student programs such as athletics, transportation, instructional materials, additional teachers, support staff, and classroom technology, for an estimated term from 2027 to 2030. The district emphasizes its commitment to fiscal responsibility and maintaining a combined tax rate below its 10-year average, ensuring safe and thriving learning environments for students.

Key discussions during the meeting included a presentation on the Collaborative Team Assessment Work from Park Place Middle School and a hearing regarding the Transportation Department Vehicle Fund Budget Extension, which was subsequently approved via Resolution #1-2026. Policy updates were reviewed, including the first readings of Policy Update 2420 (Grading and Progress Reports) and Policy Update 1111 (Oath of Office). A motion to postpone the first reading of Policy 1815 (Ethical Conduct for Board Members) failed. The board also approved the adoption of the Middle School and High School Opioid and Fentanyl Facts Curriculum on its second read. The Consent Agenda, which included items such as a bus purchase, surplus items, budget reports, and an agreement with Snohomish School District for ROTC Programs, was also approved.

This video overview discusses a proposed school construction bond by the Monroe School District to address building and maintenance needs identified through long-range strategic and facility planning processes. Key areas of focus for the bond include updating aging infrastructure, major maintenance projects, classroom space additions, safety and security improvements, and learning environment updates, specifically detailing proposed renovations and an additional gym at Frank Wagner Elementary. The bond, to be voted on in February 2026, aims to improve educational facilities and provide community access to new resources.

The presentation provides an overview of the 2026 bond and the education levy renewal. It includes safety and security improvements, major maintenance projects, replacement of the Sky Valley Education Center, modernizing portions of Frank Wagner and Salem Woods Elementary, updates to special education and early learning spaces, and improvement of athletic fields. The levy covers athletics and extracurricular activities, extra teachers, school safety, student transportation, nursing and counseling programs, para educators, professional learning for staff, and operations and building maintenance costs.

The meeting included a review and approval of the agenda, consideration of donations, student representative comments, and a public comment period with no submissions. The board approved Resolution #7-2025 Levy Certification and a consent agenda that included a bus purchase plan, an application to OSPI FP 502 Urgent Repair Grant/HRMS Roof Repair, and fiscal and enrollment reports. Additionally, the consent agenda covered accounts payable vouchers and human resources reports. The superintendent provided an update, and board directors shared comments.