Welcome to Yes for Yakima Kids

We are a citizens campaign urging voters in Yakima to VOTE YES on the Yakima School District bond on April 28, 2026.

Eisenhower student supporting Yes for Yakima Kids

Approximately 60,000 Yakima residents—roughly 1 in 3 people in our community—depend on our schools every single day. That's 15,300 students, 2,000+ staff members, and thousands of parents, grandparents, and community members whose lives are directly impacted by the safety and quality of our school buildings.

This website provides information about the bond, explains how you can get involved, and connects you with resources to share with your networks.

This campaign is separate from Yakima School District. District staff are welcome to volunteer, endorse, and/or donate to the campaign on their own time using their personal email and phone. All campaign activities must occur outside work hours and without district resources.

We are organizing geographically by elementary school boundary neighborhoods to make volunteer coordination easier. If you do not live within the district, select the neighborhood you choose to serve in your outreach efforts. Regardless of the neighborhood you choose to focus your efforts, the bond education and messaging information is the same.

📚 Learn About the Bond Projects 🙋 Volunteer with Us ✍️ Endorse the Bond 💰 Contribute Financially

Campaign Chair: Esperanza Lemos

Email: info@yakimakids.org

Mailing Address: Yes for Yakima Kids, 4001 Summitview Ave, Suite 5 PMB 390, Yakima, WA 98908

Why This Matters

Yakima School District isn't just about kids in classrooms. We serve 15,300 students and employ 2,000 staff, but approximately 60,000 community members are affected every single day. That's roughly 1 in 3 Yakima residents.

When Hoover's 78-year-old building has a roof leak, it's not just students affected—it's working parents scrambling for childcare, grandparents changing plans, teachers worried about safety.

The State Won't Pay for Buildings

The state funds teachers and programs, but buildings are OUR responsibility. If we pass this bond, the state will bring $20 million to Yakima. Our $200M investment becomes $220M in projects.

These Buildings Can't Wait

Hoover Elementary: Built in 1947 (78 years old)
Garfield Elementary: Built in 1966 (60 years old)

60,000 people depend on these buildings working properly. They won't fix themselves.

Investing in What We Value

Yakima says we support public schools. State surveys prove it. Now it's time to act.

$21/month for the average homeowner.

Other Washington communities vote regularly to maintain schools. Yakima needs to change our tax tolerance culture and invest in facilities that match our values.

What This Bond Builds

$200 million local investment + $20 million state contribution = $220 million in projects

🏫

Hoover Elementary Rebuild

$85.2M total project

Complete replacement of 78-year-old building (built 1947)

$73.1M bond + $12.1M state contribution

🏫

Garfield Elementary Rebuild

$82.9M total project

Complete replacement of 60-year-old building (built 1966)

$74.6M bond + $8.3M state contribution

♿

Title IX & ADA Upgrades

$3.5M

Accessibility improvements across all schools so every student can fully participate

Playground

Playgrounds

$14.5M

Upgrades and replacements across all elementary schools

🏠

Roof Replacements

$8M

Critical roof repairs and replacements

❄️

HVAC Systems

$9.5M

Modern heating and cooling for better air quality

⚽

Athletic Facilities

$2.8M

Turf replacement, track resurfacing, court repairs

Site Improvements

Site Improvements

$2M

Sidewalks, courtyards, paving, drainage improvements

🔧

Emergency Reserve

$12M

Future projects and emergency repairs

Get Involved - Give Time & Money

Help us reach 60,000 community members with the message that our kids deserve safe schools.

Volunteer Your Time

We need help with door knocking, phone banking, sign waving, social media, and more.

Because the district is large, we are organizing volunteers by elementary school neighborhood/boundary.

If you live in the district: Select your assigned elementary school. Not sure which school? Check your boundary here before selecting from the dropdown.
If you live outside the district: Choose a neighborhood to support or select "Committee can assign me."

Thank you for signing up to volunteer! The committee will send you a link to the volunteer outreach kit shortly.

Donate Money

Every dollar helps us reach more voters with yard signs, mailers, ads, and community outreach.

Important Information for Donors:

Yes for Yakima Kids is a registered political action committee (PAC) in Washington State. Contributions are not tax-deductible.

PDC Rules for Contributions:
• Anonymous contributions: The committee may retain anonymous contributions up to $500 or 1% of total contributions received in the calendar year, whichever is greater
• Written instrument required: Monetary contributions exceeding $100 must be made by written instrument (check, money order, or electronic transfer with documentation)
• Cash contributions: Cannot exceed $100 per source
• Contributor information: Donors giving more than $25 in aggregate must provide their name and address
• No foreign national contributions: Federal law prohibits contributions from foreign nationals

Source: Washington State Public Disclosure Commission
• Anonymous contributions: pdc.wa.gov/rules-enforcement/guidelines-restrictions/anonymous-contributions
• General contribution rules: pdc.wa.gov/registration-reporting/candidates-committees/contributions

Community Leaders Support Yes for Yakima Kids

Join community members across Yakima in supporting safe, modern schools for our kids.

Hear from Community Members at the School Board Meeting

Click to watch testimonials. Scroll down to add your written endorsement of the bond.

Ruby Aguilar testimony

Ruby Aguilar

Hoover Alum and Parent
Phil English testimony

Phil English

Retired YSD Teacher and Coach
Tambatha Wilks testimony

Tambatha Wilks

Garfield Parent
Angel Covarrubias testimony

Angel Covarrubias

Garfield Parent

Add Your Voice

Community leaders, parents, educators, and residents - we want to hear from you!

Examples: "Parent of YSD students," "Yakima resident," "Community member," "Local educator," "Business owner," "Grandparent," "Alumni"

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the election?

April 28, 2026. Ballots will be mailed to voters on March 28, 2026.

Why doesn't the state pay for this?

The state funds operational costs like teacher salaries and educational programs. School buildings are the local community's responsibility. However, if we pass this bond, the state will contribute $20 million toward the $220 million total project cost.

How much will this cost me?

For the average Yakima home (assessed at $311,600), the estimated impact is $246 per year or $20.50 per month.

Why rebuild both Hoover and Garfield?

Both buildings are beyond repair. Hoover was built in 1947 (78 years old) and Garfield was built in 1966 (60 years old). Both urgently need replacement. We cannot choose between students—both communities deserve modern, safe schools.

What about the IKE blue wall disaster?

This bond is completely different. Every dollar goes to functional needs: rebuilding 78 and 60-year-old schools and fixing critical infrastructure. Nothing decorative. Nothing aesthetic. Only essential improvements for 60,000 community members who depend on safe schools.

I don't have kids in school. Why should I vote yes?

This affects 60,000 Yakima residents—roughly 1 in 3 people in our community. Your employees, customers, neighbors all depend on functional schools. When schools work, our whole community thrives. Good schools mean stable workforce, strong neighborhoods, and better property values.

What happens if this doesn't pass?

Hoover and Garfield will continue aging. The problems will get worse and more expensive. The state's $20 million contribution goes away. 60,000 community members will continue dealing with unsafe, outdated facilities. And we'll have to try again later at higher costs.

Where can I learn more?

Visit the district's official bond information page at YSD7.org/Bond2026 for factual information about the bond.