Bond Project Update: November 2024

Thank you, voters!

New Bethel High School

Students who will attend the new Bethel High School when it opens in 2026 had the opportunity to sign their name on a metal beam that will become part of the new building. Staff also joined in the fun. Construction on the bond-funded project began earlier this year and the building recently began to go vertical.

Expedition Elementary

The staff at Expedition Elementary recently welcomed families to officially dedicate their new school to the community.

Expedition opened its doors at the start of this school year, thanks to funding from the voter-approved 2019 School Construction Bond. Though design work began in 2021, the process of securing the site started as far back as 2017.

That was just some of the behind-the-scenes work that was recognized at the dedication ceremony. Among the many names was Expedition Principal Sara Olson, who led the Core Planning Team for the school, while she was still Principal at Clover Creek Elementary. “Her leadership, vision, and countless hours are reflected in this beautiful school,” said Deputy Superintendent Dr. David Hammond.

But Olson didn’t do it alone. Hammond spoke fondly of the Core Planning Team, who worked hard determining what would be best for students. “I just don’t know how they did it,” he said. “They would work all day and then come at night and plan for the students in this school.”

Veronica Kaipainen, Expedition’s School Counselor, said the Core Team talked a lot about the school being the “heart” of the neighborhood. “We really put so much time and energy and thought into making sure that our students, our families, feel like this is their home,” she said. “If we did it right … you’ll feel it.”

Principal Olson said the school was being dedicated to the students and the community. And she had a special thanks for our voters.

“This building would not be possible without the support of our voters. Thank you so much for coming out and making sure that we had a beautiful place for these students to attend school.”

Evergreen Elementary Expansion

This school year, Evergreen Elementary staff and students are “glamping” at the old Naches Trail building, while Evergreen gets its extreme home makeover thanks to our voters! The much needed expansion of Evergreen Elementary will add 10,000 square feet to the school, which will include eight additional classrooms and a new commons.

Cedarcrest Middle School

Thanks to increased state funding, better-than-expected estimates, and responsible fiscal management, we are now able to proceed with building a new Cedarcrest Middle School instead of modernizing the existing one! More details to come on this project, but kudos to our Construction Team for their hard work ensuring our students and staff will have the best possible learning environment

Bonds are for building…

In 2019, our voters approved a School Construction Bond to build new schools and renovate and expand old ones. Bond funding is kept separate from the rest of the district’s budget, including our levies that need to be renewed every four years. As the saying goes: Bonds are for Building, Levies are for Learning. Learn more at bethelsd.org/bond