Quilcene Elementary is 80 years old, damaged beyond repair by several earthquakes, and long overdue for replacement. In 2019, the state conducted a seismic study and found it too costly to upgrade.

We have a special election on Tuesday, April 26. I was thrilled to learn that the Quilcene School Board has placed a bond on the ballot to replace Quilcene Elementary. This bond would have passed the 60 percent threshold at the last election with just a few more “yes” votes so the support in the community is definitely there.

Right now interest rates are at an all-time low — so it’s a great time to finance a bond.

In 2020 Quilcene voters approved a two-year capital levy that established a tax rate of about $500 per year for the median-priced property. That levy will end before this bond would begin so our annual tax rate would remain the same as now if this bond passes. Using the same tax rate extended as a 20-year bond (the ballot will say “no more than 25 years”) we will generate enough to accomplish our school improvement goals.

Quality schools represent the heart of our communities. Please vote YES in support of the Quilcene School Bond on April 26!

Pamela Roberts
QUILCENE