Jamie Bessette

This document provides an overview of the Ephrada School District's February 2026 bond proposal, which addresses critical needs stemming from aging infrastructure, capacity limitations, and outdated safety features across its schools. The proposal outlines a $75 million, 25-year bond to fund the replacement of Grant Elementary and Parkway Intermediate schools, and the renovation and expansion of Ephrada High School, including a new performing arts auditorium. The initiative aims to secure safe, modern learning environments, accommodate future enrollment growth, and meet evolving instructional and community needs for the next 40 years.

The meeting agenda included a Work Session focused on the Mid-Year Data Review. Action items covered the approval of hires, including a new Head Girls Tennis Coach, and the acceptance of donations. A significant action item was the proposed formal closure of Beezley Springs Elementary, detailing its administrative function and the plan to transfer services to a different structure with no expected impact on students or staff displacement. The Board also discussed approving potential out-of-state travel for the Columbia Ridge FIRST LEGO League Team if selected through a lottery process. Further action items involved approving grant funding for Career and Technical Education (CTE) organizations and equipment purchases, approving the 2026-27 and 2027-28 District Calendars, and approving a complete re-roofing for the Ephrata High School main building. Non-Action Items included recognizing February as CTE Month and a report on the budget.

The board meeting agenda and minutes covered various administrative and operational items. The district addressed personnel actions including hires, reviewed donations, and managed accounts payable and payroll. Significant business included approving the purchase of new buses, applying for grants for playground equipment, and refreshing the Career and Technical Education business lab. The board also reviewed district policy updates, discussed the closure of Beezley Springs, authorized out-of-state travel for the LEGO team, approved CTE grants, established district calendars, and selected an architecture firm for the high school roof replacement. Reports were provided regarding the Open Doors youth reengagement program, financial audits, enrollment trends, and legislative impacts.

This document outlines a $75 million, 25-year school bond proposal for the Ephrata School District, aiming to fund significant campus improvements. The plan includes constructing a new Grant Elementary School and a new Parkway Intermediate School, and partially renovating and expanding Ephrata High School, which will feature a modern Performing Arts Center. The objective is to provide safe, secure, and modern learning facilities for all students, address current overcrowding, and leverage approximately $27.4 million in state construction assistance.

This document outlines the Superintendent's overarching goals, which focus on five key strategic areas. These include building strong, trust-based relationships through transparent communication; strengthening instruction and assessment to drive student success; advancing belonging in all aspects of district operations; cultivating a collaborative culture focused on continuous improvement; and preparing students for the future by reinforcing academic and social-emotional supports. The plan aims to achieve these by implementing specific actions such as regular updates, professional development, inclusive policies, leadership teams, and expanded career pathways.