After near-miss vote, Chelan schools seek input on next bond

CHELAN — The Lake Chelan School District is asking for community input as it considers returning to voters with a revised construction bond in 2027 following a narrowly defeated measure last fall.

In a May 3 letter to the community, Superintendent Brad Wilson said the district is evaluating options to modernize aging facilities and better align them with current student needs.

The outreach comes after state law prevented the passage of a $73 million bond in November 2025. The measure earned 51.3% support, a clear majority but short of the 60% required under Washington law.

District leaders are now seeking feedback from residents, families and staff to help shape what a future proposal might look like.

“The School Board is requesting feedback on specific projects to support thoughtful, strategic planning grounded in community input,” Wilson wrote.

Community members can participate in the district’s facilities survey online at https://tejoin.com/scroll/847776408 or by scanning the QR code included here. 

The 2025 bond proposal centered on a series of long-discussed facility needs across the district, led by plans to replace Morgen Owings Elementary, a building that district officials have described as aging, undersized and increasingly difficult to adapt to modern classroom demands.

The proposal would have constructed a new elementary school capable of housing both K–5 students and preschool programs, addressing space limitations that currently place early learning in repurposed facilities and leave some students on waitlists.

Other components included upgrades to career and technical education spaces at Chelan Middle and High School, particularly wood and metal shop classrooms, as well as accessibility improvements. The plan also called for upgrades to the Mountain Goat athletic complex, including a new track, expanded seating and improved facilities for student-athletes and spectators.

In earlier reporting, district officials emphasized that replacing Morgen Owings Elementary was the most urgent need, citing safety concerns, building age and limitations that affect everything from classroom configuration to airflow and acoustics.

The current outreach signals a reset rather than a retreat, as district leaders look to refine the proposal with more direct community input before asking voters to weigh in again.

Lake Chelan School District serves approximately 1,250 students.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media