We urge a Yes vote on this bond to build a new middle school and replace Cascade Middle School and Alpac Elementary. Over 900 middle school students are currently learning in portables, and Alpac requires ongoing, costly repairs. Our students need safe, modern schools to succeed.

This bond is a smart, responsible investment. The Auburn School District has a strong record of on-time, on-budget construction and has managed finances carefully by retiring debt—keeping the tax impact low.

The projected cost is $1.04 per $1,000 of assessed value, or about $47.66 per month for a $550,000 home.

Auburn voters have consistently supported education, and our community has seen the benefits. With no long-term plan from the state to fully fund school construction, it’s up to us to act. Let’s continue investing in our kids and our community. Vote Yes to build the schools our students deserve.

Jason Wright, Cary Manry

Auburn School District is a great asset to the Auburn community, teachers and support staff work tirelessly to provide a quality education to the students they serve. Well-funded schools are critical to economic prosperity a student achievement.

However, now is not the right time to take out a $500 million bond for school construction. Interest rates are at record highs and our community faces an affordability crises. This bond would cost the average homeowner $12,000 over the course of 20 years. Student enrollment is extremely difficult to forecast, population growth in Auburn has plateaued in recent years and new restrictions on immigration at the federal level could significantly decrease student enrollment making it unnecessary to build new schools.

This is not a prudent allocation of scarce resources as none of this revenue would be used to increase teacher pay or decrease class size the two most impactful instruments to improve student achievement.

Lastly, the State of Washington should provide funding for school construction, continuing to rely on regressive property taxes is not equitable or sustainable and places an unfair financial burden on the working class and less affluent communities.

Yuval Fleming

While interest rates are high, delaying school construction will cost more due to inflation and aging facilities. Auburn middle schools are over capacity and Cascade MS is severely outdated — needs state funding does not meet. 

Bond funds can’t raise salaries, but safe, modern classrooms boost learning. Property taxes aren’t perfect, yet they’re the most direct way to invest in our children today. Waiting risks higher costs and diminished educational quality for current and future students.

Jason Wright, Cary Manry

No statement submitted.

Download the full text of the resolution

60% yes vote and a minimum turnout of 40% of voters casting ballots in last general election (Washington Constitution, art. VII, sec. 2(b))

For questions about this measure, contact: Cindi Blansfield, Associate Superintendent, (253) 931-4930, 2025election@auburn.wednet.edu