Q: What is the purpose of the February 2025 Capital Levy?
A: The Capital Levy will fund the replacement of the 43-year-old Post Middle School and address critical safety, security, and health concerns. It will also support traffic safety and congestion improvements on the shared Post/Eagle Creek/Stillaguamish Valley Learning Center campus.

Q: How is this proposal different from the November 2024 Capital Levy?
A: In response to community feedback, Arlington School District reduced the overall cost of the project by nearly $6 million. The updated proposal reduces the school’s size from 120,187 square feet to 102,670 square feet while still allowing for future expansion.

Q: Why not renovate the current Post Middle School? Wouldn’t that be cheaper?
A: The option to renovate Post Middle School would not receive as much state match funding, costing more than new construction. Renovation would still leave unresolved safety issues like unsecured entry points and outdated infrastructure, while new construction provides modern safety features and better longevity.

Q: What improvements will be included in the new Post Middle School?
A: The new school will include:

• Modern security features: A single point of entry and indoor hallways, allowing secure movement throughout the building.
• Fire protection: A fully operational sprinkler system throughout the entire building.
• Earthquake resistance: Earthquake-resistant construction to protect students and staff.
• Larger STEAM classrooms: Classrooms that support Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) education and reduce overcrowding.
• Modern HVAC system: Improved heating, cooling, and ventilation to increase energy efficiency and improve indoor air quality.
• Outdoor improvements: Replacement of the deteriorating running track and athletic field, along with traffic flow enhancements to separate buses from parent and car traffic.

Q: How much will the levy cost?
A: The proposed Capital Levy will cost $75.1 million, down from $81 million in the previous proposal.

Q: What is the tax impact for homeowners?
A: The estimated tax rate for the Capital Levy is $1.30 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The cost for homeowners is outlined below:

• $400,000 home: $43.33/month ($520/year).
• $500,000 home: $54.17/month ($650/year).
• $600,000 home: $65/month ($780/year).

Q: Doesn’t the state fully fund K-12 public education?
A: No, even with some recent investments, the state does not fully fund K-12 public education. Things like extracurricular activities and facility updates - even facility updates that address risks to students and staff - come from local community levy and bond dollars.

Q: Are there any property tax exemptions available?
A: Yes. Property tax exemptions may be available to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and disabled veterans. Contact the Snohomish County Assessor at 425-383-3422 for more information.

Q: How did Arlington School District incorporate community feedback into the proposal?
A: After the November 2024 levy did not pass, the district surveyed families, staff, students, and community members. The majority supported running a new levy at a reduced cost. In response, Arlington School District lowered the cost, reduced the building size, and maintained capacity for future expansion.

Q: How will the district keep the community informed about the project?
A: Arlington School District is committed to transparent, clear, and accessible communication. The district plans to provide regular project updates through board meetings and a dedicated project webpage. Additional options like weekly updates may also be considered.

Q: How can I learn more or stay updated?
A: More information is available at www.asd.wednet.edu/caplevy2025 . Community members are encouraged to visit this page regularly for project updates and announcements.

Q: What happens if the levy does not pass?
A: If the levy does not pass, Arlington School District will continue to maintain the current Post Middle School building to the best of its ability. However, system failures could result in emergency repairs and potential disruptions to student learning. Other alternatives, like using portable classrooms or double-shifting students, would create more disruptions than a new school.

Q: What happens if the cost of the new school increases after the levy passes?
A: The district cannot collect more than the total voter-approved amount in the proposal. Like most construction projects, the proposed amount includes a contingency to account for possible cost fluctuations. Arlington School District is committed to managing funds efficiently and will provide regular updates to the community as the project progresses.

Q: Why does the district need to replace Post Middle School?
A: Post Middle School is 43 years old and no longer meets modern safety, security, or health standards. Issues include:

• Outdated HVAC systems that cause air quality problems, such as elevated CO2 levels in classrooms.
• Inefficient heating and electrical systems, which are costly to maintain.
• Outdated safety features, such as unsecured entry points and limited earthquake resistance.

Q: How is the project cost and the ask to the community calculated?
A: Arlington Public Schools uses a cost estimation calculated by the Robinson Company of Seattle. Robinson specializes in creating cost estimates for public works projects in the Pacific Northwest. The cost estimate is shown below. The formula for the cost estimate is "(((((Units x Unit Cost = 2024 Construction Total) x Contingency)) x Soft Costs) = 2024 Project Total) x Escalation to 2031 Bid = Total Project Costs in 2031)



Definitions

• Units-the square feet of construction or demolition and the acres of school grounds for redevelopment (includes athletic facilities, paving, sidewalks, roads, and utilities like potable water, sanitary sewer, electricity and natural gas)
• Unit cost-the cost estimate in 2024 dollars by square foot or acre
• Contingency-an allowance for unexpected conditions that affect the cost of construction
• Soft Costs-Construction costs are classified as "hard costs" or "soft costs." Hard costs include supplies, materials and construction labor. Soft costs include architectural and engineer services, permits, sales tax, building furnishings and equipment, technology installed in the building like data switches and routers, and moving costs to occupy the building.
• Escalation to 2031 Bid-This is an estimate of costs for construction that would occur in 2031. Because the form of financing construction is a levy and not a bond, construction will be delayed until a sufficient amount of funds have been collected by the levy to accomplish the construction. The district cannot obligate itself to a construction contract until the funds are available for expenditure.

The total project cost assumes a contribution from the State of Washington of $25,314,522 of School Construction Assistance Program funds (State Match). The ask of the community is $75,129,881 which is the 2031 Project Total minus the School Construction Assistance Program funds.

Q: How can I ask a question or provide feedback?
A: Community members are encouraged to contact Arlington School District directly at [email protected].