60,000 Yakima Residents Depend on Safe Schools

Vote YES for our community - April 28, 2026

15,300
Students
2,000+
Staff
60,000
Community Members Impacted Daily

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.

Affordable Impact

For the average homeowner: $20.50 per month

Less than a streaming service to give our entire community safe, modern schools.

What This Bond Builds

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

Title IX & ADA Upgrades

$3.5M

Accessibility improvements across all schools so every student can fully participate

🏃

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

$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.

Donate Money

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

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.