February 2025 Revised Post Middle School Capital Levy Proposal

A revised proposal with a lower total cost that maximizes state funding

After the November 2024 levy failed, Arlington School District surveyed families, staff, students, and community members. The majority of respondents supported running the local levy again but at a reduced cost.

We’ve listened and revised our “ask to voters”

Arlington School District has listened to our community and reduced the capital levy proposal to replace Post Middle School by nearly $6 million ($5.87 million). We’re also leveraging more than $25 million in available state funding to lessen the tax burden on our local community.

To reduce the cost of the proposal for local taxpayers, the district reduced the size of the new Post Middle School by 17,500 square feet (from 120,187 square feet to 102,670 square feet). This size of the new middle school would still be larger than the current 76,353-square-foot building and would include space for future expansion.

Post Middle School has serious issues and needs to be replaced

Originally constructed more than four decades ago, Post Middle School has reached the end of its useful life. Even with routine maintenance over the years, the facility has so many problems that it is cheaper to replace the structure than to renovate it.

These problems include:

• Post Middle School no longer meets modern safety standards.
• It may pose health risks with high carbon dioxide levels in some classrooms due to a defunct heating system.
• Outdoor corridors frequently flood, making walkways impassable and creating safety hazards.

A cost-effective solution for the long term

Rebuilding is the most cost-effective option to resolve the significant issues at Post Middle School. Renovating the existing school would cost more than rebuilding and would still leave unresolved safety issues like unsecured school entry points and passageways subject to flooding. 

The new school will address urgent needs including:

• 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.

Lower Cost to Local Homeowners

Under the new proposal, the cost to taxpayers to replace Post Middle School is $75,129,881 (down from the $81 million) and nearly $6 million less than the previous proposal. Tax rates are estimated to be $1.30 per $1,000 of assessed property value for six years.

Example cost for homeowners based on assessed home value:

Assessed Home Value	Cost per Month	Cost per Year
$400,000	$43.33	$520
$500,000	$54.17	$650
$600,000	$65.00	$780

The capital levy total amount will be collected over the next 6 years as follows:

Collection Year	Estimated Levy Rate/$1,000 Assessed Value	Levy Amount
2026	$1.30	$11,614,892
2027	$1.30	$11,963,339
2028	$1.30	$12,322,239
2029	$1.30	$12,691,906
2030	$1.30	$13,072,663
2031	$1.30	$13,464,843

Total collected levy amount: $75,129,881

Property Tax Relief for Seniors, Disabled, and Disabled Veterans

Some property owners may be exempt from local schools property taxes. Those whose household incomes are less than $40,000, are over the age of 61, or are 100% disabled, or are disabled veterans may qualify. Contact the Snohomish County Assessor at 425-383-3422 for an application and more information.