Richland to Vote on $94 Million School Bond in February
The proposed bond would fund school renovations and increase property taxes by 10 cents per $1,000 of assessed value.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Richland voters will decide on a $94 million school construction bond during the February 9, 2026, special election. The measure aims to fund facility updates for two local schools.
Why it matters
The proposed bond seeks to modernize aging infrastructure and improve safety for students, following recommendations from a community facilities task force. Passage of the measure requires 60% voter approval and would result in an estimated tax increase.
The $94 million bond includes $60 million for Chief Joseph Middle School and $27.5 million to replace River's Edge High School. Homeowners would see an estimated tax increase of 10 cents per $1,000 of assessed value.
The players
Richland School District
The local public education authority responsible for managing district facilities and student instruction.
The details
The district plans to fund these projects by selling bonds to investors, which taxpayers would then repay with interest over a 21-year period. If the bond passes, the district intends to discontinue an existing safety and security levy by 2028 and 2029. Funds are allocated specifically to address the aging facilities at 1951-built Chief Joseph Middle School and 2001-built River's Edge High School.
Timeline
1951: Construction of Chief Joseph Middle School.
2001: Construction of River's Edge High School.
November 2024: Voters rejected a larger $314 million bond measure.
February 9, 2026: Special election for the $94 million bond.
2028: Anticipated start of tax payments for the new bond.
The Home Front
This bond proposal marks a shift in the district's capital planning strategy after voters rejected a $314 million measure in November 2024. The new, smaller request focuses on core facility needs identified by a community task force.
Property owners should review their most recent property tax assessment to estimate the potential impact of the 10-cent per $1,000 value increase. Keep an eye on district mailings for official voter information pamphlets as the February election date approaches.
The takeaway
The proposed bond requires a 60% supermajority to pass, representing a targeted effort to address facility maintenance for two schools. Property owners should note that tax payments for the 21-year bond could begin as early as 2028 if the measure is approved.
What happens next
Voters will cast ballots on the bond measure during the February 9, 2026 special election.
Further reading
Learn more about local planning in Secondary Education.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tri-City Herald.
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Should voters in your community approve new bond measures to fund school facility construction?
