Kennewick to Weigh Middle School Bond Measure

The school board will consider a resolution this November to fund rebuilds at two aging district middle schools.

Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Secondary Education

Screen-print poster illustration of a modern school facade with brickwork and a central archway, capturing the scale of community infrastructure. — The Kennewick School District is seeking voter approval for a February 2027 bond measure to renovate aging middle school facilities and secure state funding. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Kennewick School District officials are preparing to seek voter approval in February 2027 for a bond measure to reconstruct Highlands and Horse Heavens middle schools. The proposal aims to secure state matching funds before a critical deadline later that year.

Why it matters

The district aims to leverage $61 million in state matching funds to modernize aging facilities that currently lack space for performing arts, ADA compliance, and modern academic programs. Failing to secure the bond by October 2027 would forfeit these state dollars.

Highlands Middle School currently houses 760 students in a 92,300-square-foot facility built in 1959. Bond measures in the district require 60% voter approval to pass.

The players

Kennewick School District

This is the public educational body responsible for overseeing the curriculum and facilities for students in Kennewick.

Highlands Middle School

Opened in 1959, this school is one of the aging campuses being considered for a total reconstruction.

Horse Heavens Middle School

Constructed in 1993, this school is the second facility identified for potential replacement in the district's long-term planning.

The details

Existing campuses require significant upgrades as they currently rely on portable buildings and lack modern infrastructure. The proposed construction projects would address capacity issues at sites like Highlands, which has a building capacity of 775.

Highlands Middle School was constructed in 1959.
Horse Heavens Middle School was constructed in 1993.
The school board will review the resolution on November 3, 2026.
The bond measure election is scheduled for February 2027.
The deadline to qualify for state matching funds is October 2027.

Culture Shift

The district's plan follows the broader trend of utilizing the School Construction Assistance Program to bridge funding gaps for public infrastructure. This move reflects a wider effort to modernize legacy school buildings to meet current accessibility and educational standards.

If the bond measure passes in February, local taxpayers may see changes to their property tax obligations to fund the $50-60 million projects per school. Residents should monitor future board meetings for details on how the new construction could affect school attendance zones.

The takeaway

Voters must reach a 60% supermajority for the bond to be authorized, making community engagement critical before the February election. Homeowners should track upcoming tax impact assessments to understand the potential change from the current $3 per $1,000 tax rate.