Auburn Will Vote on $491 Million School Bond
The Auburn School District has placed Proposition 1 on the November 3 ballot to fund major infrastructure projects.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Auburn residents will vote on a $491 million construction bond on November 3, 2026, aimed at replacing aging schools and easing student overcrowding. The district seeks to address significant capacity issues that have persisted despite previous ballot rejections.
Why it matters
The measure is essential for the district to modernize facilities that are currently failing to meet student needs. Without the funding, Auburn middle schools will continue to operate 1,100 students over their intended capacity.
The bond would cost taxpayers $1.10 per $1,000 of assessed property value to fund a new middle school, a replacement building for the 59-year-old Cascade Middle School, and a new structure for the 54-year-old Alpac Elementary School.
The players
Auburn School District
This is the primary public education authority responsible for managing local schools and proposing infrastructure funding measures.
Cascade Middle School
This institution is a district facility currently housed in a 59-year-old building that is targeted for replacement.
Alpac Elementary School
This elementary school is the site of a proposed building project to update its 54-year-old infrastructure.
The details
Currently, the district utilizes 45 portable classrooms to manage its student population as middle schools remain 1,100 students over-capacity. If approved, the funds will facilitate a new 134,000-square-foot middle school on Lake Tapps Parkway S.E. to alleviate these pressures.
Timeline
November 2024: The bond measure failed to reach the required 60 percent approval threshold.
November 2025: The bond measure failed to reach the required 60 percent approval threshold.
September 17, 2026: The district hosted an open house at Cascade Middle School.
September 23, 2026: The district hosted an open house at Alpac Elementary School.
November 3, 2026: The bond measure will appear on the election ballot.
Culture Shift
The bond proposal reflects a recurring struggle for school districts navigating the 60 percent voter approval threshold required for capital funding. This persistent barrier creates a significant hurdle for infrastructure expansion compared to regions where simple majority votes are standard.
Passage of this bond will result in a property tax increase of $1.10 per $1,000 of assessed value for all homeowners in the district. Residents will see the direct outcome of the vote on November 3, which will determine if new construction projects for middle and elementary students commence.
The takeaway
The district is attempting to break a two-year cycle of failed bond measures by returning to voters with the same $491 million request. Property owners should assess the tax implications of the $1.10 rate while considering the long-term need for updated classroom space.
Further reading
Learn more about local school facility updates in the Secondary Education section.
More information
Find detailed voting data and project plans on the Auburn School District 2026 election information page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Auburn Reporter.
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