Welcome to the second year of Foundations, an e-newsletter focused on keeping our community updated on current and past levy and bond initiatives and how their tax dollars are supporting student learning and achievement, while keeping our school buildings modernized and maintained. Follow along in the spirit of learning every month for a new edition. 

This replacement levy only funds the most critical and emergent needs and projects for schools. After December 2024, there will be no voter-approved capital funding source. Most of this equipment and infrastructure has reached or surpassed its expected lifespan, with warranties expired. As a result, we are seeing an increase in failure rates and maintenance costs. It is not a new tax and replaces current funding.

What happens if this levy fails?

Even if this levy is approved, the Kent School District will still need to address declining enrollment and expired ESSER funding budget challenges in the general fund.

Since the scope of the November 5 Capital and Technology Replacement Levy needs and projects are critical or emergent, the district will need to secure money from its general fund to address failing equipment. The 2024-25 general fund budget shows a deficit at the end of this year and in succeeding years. These deficits will exponentially grow when funds are allocated to critical and emergent needs, forcing the district to identify budget balancing solutions that may negatively impact employment contracts and staffing decisions.

Here are additional details about the needs supported by this funding:

Technology Education

• High School Document Cameras: 10-15+ year old devices

• Classroom Displays: Current warranty is expired, failure rates increasing

• Software Subscriptions For Learning: Canvas (a Learning Management Platform) Student Information System, Microsoft Licensing, Children’s Internet Protection Web Filter

• One-to-One Devices: 7-year lifecycle to make sure we’re using taxpayer dollars efficiently

Technology Infrastructure

• Cybersecurity Operations: 24/7 monitoring and response for cyber threats

• Managed Broadband Internet Service: Security and maintenance of internet service to support student learning

• Classroom Voice Amplification Systems: Current devices out of warranty; failure rates increasing, used to help all students hear the teacher

• Intercom Systems: Essential for safety and communication, 50% of school intercoms/components are failing

• Uninterruptible Power System: Powers districtwide data center and is over 17 years old

Watch classroom voice amplification system video (47 seconds)

Watch intercom safety video (38 seconds)

 Critical Repairs

• Transportation Fueling Center: Current fuel tanks are past their life cycle; needed for code compliance

• Central Kitchen Emergency Generator: Keep food from spoiling during a power outage; approximately $1,000,000 of food in storage

• School Roof Replacements: 7 schools with average age of 30 years old

• Boiler Replacements: These boilers were last updated from 1999-2007 and need to be replaced so students and staff can be warm and safe

Watch boiler replacement video (22 seconds)

Watch Central Kitchen Emergency Generator video (26 seconds)

Watch Transportation Fueling Center video (30 seconds)

Health and Safety

• Fire Alarm Replacements: Typical lifespan is 15-20 years; average age of these systems is 29.5 years; critical for the safety of our students and staff

• Siding and Portables: 1 school needs exterior siding repair; 6 portables need new roofs to remain safe and dry

• Athletic Fields For Students & Community

  • MILL CREEK: a non-usable field when heavy rains occur

  • KENTRIDGE: a non-usable field; currently renting fields from City of Kent to support student athletes

King County Ballot Drop Box Map

In February 2018, voters approved a six-year Technology and Capital Projects Levy providing funds to fill our district's technology and facility needs.  

The state provides a minimum amount of funding for technology in schools. At the same time, the need for technology in our school district continues to grow. More and more traditional book-based curricula include digital resources. Educational software programs can supplement learning or give students who need extra help another way to learn.

Student Safety & Security

From the 2018 levy, web security and content filtering upgrades are vital components of our commitment to providing a safe and secure online environment for our students.

Our district is committed to fostering transparency and accountability in every aspect of our work, ensuring trust and open communication with our community. Find a list of all bond and levy capital projects and their completed or in progress status with dollar amounts below.

All 2018 Capital Levy Projects Update

All 2016 Bond Projects Update

In spirit of transparency and accountability, Kent School District received a clean state audit. The audit of the Kent School District focused on various aspects of its operations including procurement – public works, conflict of interest, and use of restricted funds – bond proceeds to name a few.

To keep our community informed, below are a few photos from recently completed capital projects supported by voter-approved funds.

Mattson Parking Lot

Selective demo of asphalt, grind surface to base, remove unsuitable material, add rock to achieve grade with three-inch base compacted and pave two and a half-inch asphalt of half hot mix asphalt (HMA), sealcoat, and restripe east and south parking areas and bus loop. 

Kentwood Parking Lot, Curb Repair, and Fire Lane

This work includes selective demolition of curbs, milling asphalt, replacing structural fill, removal of trees and root damage, removal of a concrete ramp, wheel stops and signs, providing catch basin inlet protection, provide asphalt paving overlay, standard paving in parking lots and heavy-duty paving in fire lane, extruded curbs, striping, joint seal, signage, wheel stops and curb ramp.

Meeker Science Rooms and Storage Remodel

Renovated four science classrooms including an adjacent corridor and storage room.

• Demolished 20 workstations creating more space in each classroom.

• Added new demonstration tables to the rear, equipped with two sinks, gas and emergency shut-off valves, and locking cabinets.

• Added new cabinets and shelving in classrooms and storage areas. I

• Installed new flooring along with additional electrical boxes in floor.

• Supplied all new furniture.

• Closed off the crawlspace access point with new wall and door.