Richland to Vote on $94 Million School Bond

Residents will head to the polls on February 9, 2026, to decide on a bond measure for local school facilities.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Secondary Education

Screen-print poster illustration of a red brick school building, representing the district's upcoming school bond infrastructure vote. — Richland voters will decide on a $94 million bond measure on February 9, 2026, intended to modernize district school facilities. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should voters in your community approve new bond measures to fund school facility construction?

The Richland School District Board has placed a $94 million construction bond on the February 9, 2026 ballot to address aging infrastructure. The proposal seeks to modernize Chief Joseph Middle School and replace River's Edge High School.

Why it matters

The measure aims to improve safety and security at district facilities following a recommendation from a community facilities task force. It serves as a new attempt at funding after voters rejected a $314 million bond in November 2024.

The bond includes $60 million for modernizing the 1951-era Chief Joseph Middle School and $27.5 million to replace River's Edge High School. Approval requires a 60% supermajority of the vote.

The players

Richland School District Board

This local governing body manages public education services and is responsible for placing infrastructure funding measures on the ballot for community consideration.

Chief Joseph Middle School

This educational facility serves nearly 680 students and is targeted for a $60 million modernization project due to its 1951 construction date.

River's Edge High School

This school serves 260 students and is slated for a $27.5 million replacement project under the proposed bond measure.

The details

If the measure passes, the district would sell bonds to investors and repay the debt through a tax increase estimated at 10 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. The district has pledged to stop collecting a separate safety and security levy in 2028 and 2029 if the bond is approved.

Chief Joseph Middle School was originally constructed in 1951.
River's Edge High School was built in 2001.
Voters rejected a previous $314 million bond measure in November 2024.
The special election for the $94 million bond takes place on February 9, 2026.
Taxpayers would begin payments on the 21-year bond starting in 2028.

Culture Shift

The bond proposal reflects a growing community focus on upgrading aging educational infrastructure to meet modern safety and accessibility standards. This follows a broader trend where districts must balance fiscal restraint with the necessity of maintaining legacy school facilities.

Homeowners in the district would face a property tax increase of 10 cents per $1,000 of assessed value starting in 2028 if the measure passes. Residents should also note the planned expiration of the current safety and security levy in 2028 and 2029.

The takeaway

Voters will decide whether the proposed tax increase is a necessary investment for updating school facilities that serve nearly 1,000 students combined. Residents are encouraged to review the district's long-term capital plans before the February election.