At the November 18 school board meeting, the Sumner School District Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve a bond election in February 2016.

The proposition to be set before voters would authorize the district to build, expand, and improve school facilities through $145.6 million in bonds (approximately $162 million total without matching funds or developer impact fees).

Passage of this proposition would allow Sumner School District to build a new elementary school and early learning center, replace Emerald Hills Elementary, expand and modernize Sumner High School, expand Bonney Lake High School and Mountain View Middle School, and make middle school field and District-wide safety and security improvements.

With passage of this proposition and issuance of bonds, the District anticipates using approximately $6,300,000 of impact fees and receiving approximately $27,700,000 of matching money from the State to help complete these projects.

The bonds will be repaid from annual excess property tax levies over 20 years. The District anticipates a tax rate increase (over the existing rate) of approximately $.45 per $1,000 of assessed value, or $90.00 per year (or $7.50 per month) for a home valued at $200,000. With this tax rate increase, the total bond tax rate will be approximately $2.41 through 2028.

Local ballots will mail on January 22, 2016. The 18-day voting period will continue through the Election Day of February 9, 2016.

Exemptions from taxes may be available to homeowners who are 61 or older, or disabled, and who meet certain income requirements. To determine if you qualify, call the Pierce County Assessor at (253) 798-2169.

For more information visit the Sumner School District Website at sumnersd.org or call the Communications Department at (253) 891-6087.