Board Accepts Committee Recommendation, Targets November 2026 for Facilities Bond

After 15 months of comprehensive study, the Wenatchee School District is moving forward with plans to ask voters to address aging school facilities.

At its November 12, 2025 meeting, the Board of Directors accepted the Long-Range Facilities Planning Committee's recommendation and established November 3, 2026 as the target date for a capital bond measure.

The Facility Challenge

The 30-member community committee, which included parents, staff, business leaders, and community members, studied district facilities and independent assessment reports documenting significant infrastructure challenges:

• Wenatchee High School: Built in 1972, the building received a "Poor" physical condition rating with major systems—heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical—operating 30+ years beyond their designed lifespan
• Seven Other Buildings: Aging HVAC systems requiring replacement to maintain safe, functional learning environments

What Voters Would Decide

If the bond moves forward and is approved by voters, it would fund:

• Construction of a new Wenatchee High School to replace the failing 52-year-old facility
• Replacement of HVAC systems at seven additional school buildings

The committee studied renovation alternatives but recommended new construction for the high school based on cost-effectiveness, educational functionality, and long-term value.

Flexible Timeline

While November 3, 2026, is the target date, the board maintains flexibility. A formal resolution must be passed by August 2026 to place the measure on the ballot, allowing time to monitor legislative changes, community feedback, and other ballot considerations.

"Establishing a target date allows us to begin community engagement and planning while maintaining the ability to adjust our approach if circumstances change," said Superintendent Kory Kalahar.

Your Voice in the Design

The district will host public engagement sessions this spring focused on design priorities for a new high school. Community input will help shape what the facility includes and how it serves students for the next 50+ years.

Details on engagement opportunities will be announced in the coming months.

Learn More

Facility assessment reports, committee recommendations, and project information are available at wenatcheeschools.org/facilities/facilities-committee