Kennewick, Pasco, Richland School District Superintendents

Rick Schulte, Michelle Whitney, and Dave Bond.

Over one hundred luncheon attendees heard a presentation today at the newly remodeled "CG Public House" (formerly the Country Gentleman), by our three Tri-City school superintendents. Two districts, Pasco and Richland, will run bonds this year, while Kennewick will not.

Dave Bond, KSD Superintendent, explained how the district has utilized the funding from an 89.5 M bond from 2015 by completing the new Desert Hills Middle School, the Sage Crest Elementary School, and Chinook Middle School.  In progress are Westgate Elementary and the presently, yet to be named, Elementary #16 (Clearwater Creek project).  

Mr. Bond also shared how KSD received a grant from the state for just over 51M for a K-3 (kindergarten to 3rd grade) Grant sponsored by the state. That money is being used to lower class sizes throughout the district by increasing the number of classrooms at the Clearwater Creek project from 22 to 38; by rearranging where the dual language students will be housed; and by adding 20 new classrooms to Amistad Elementary.  

In April, 2019, Kennewick High School is slated for new construction. It will be a 250K sq. ft. facility with estimated expenses at $300/square foot.  Overall cost, according to Bond, will run at 75M. 

Michelle Whitney, PSD Superintendent, reported the Pasco Facilities Task Force began working in the Spring of 2015 to analyze district facilities and enrollment projections. The committee has recommended the continuation of a K-6 configuration in the elementary schools, 7-8 in the middle school, and 9-12 in the high school. 

In addition, a 16th new elementary school, upgrading of old facilities, as well as the maintenance and custodial facilities are in need of upgrading. The school district has called for a 119.7M bond, with state matching funds of 50.2M which will run at 39 cents/1,000 of assessed value. 

Rick Schulte, RSD Superintendent, said Richland schools ran a bond in 2013 for 98M, with 62M state matching funds. With that funding, RSD has installed new HVC equipment at Chief Joe MS, upgraded Fran Rish stadium, is replacing Jefferson Elementary, and a fourth middle school is under construction. 

This year, plans for replacing Badger and Tapteal elementaries along with constructing two new elementary schools, upgrading RHS's auditorium, further upgrades to Fran Rish stadium, and upgrading the playing fields at Handford High School along with the district's administration building, are included in the 99M bond with 42M in state matching funds. 

Ballots are due February 14th.  Happy Valentine's Day.