Dear Cle Elum-Roslyn School District Families,
I hope you had a wonderful Holiday Season! I saw many of you out and about enjoying yourself and enjoying the great beauty we have in this area!
We are reaching out to share important information about the upcoming Capital Projects Levy vote on February 11, 2025. This levy will provide funding to maintain and improve our school facilities, ensuring they continue to meet the needs of our students, staff, and community.
The proposed levy will focus on safety, security, technology, and facility improvements in our aging buildings. For context, the last new school built in our district was the elementary/middle school in 1992. Our high school, originally built in 1970, was last remodeled in 1994. Many building systems have now reached the end of their natural lifespan. Rising inflation and construction costs make proactive investments in maintenance and system upgrades more important than ever.
Levy-Funded Improvements
Here’s an overview of the key needs this levy will address. For detailed facts, finances, and additional information, click the attached link below to our district website.
Safety and Security Enhancements
Upgrade lockdown systems, fire alarms, surveillance, and communication systems.
Install covered walkways and entrances for new portables and preschool play areas.
Improve ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility across all district facilities.
Enhance transportation flow, reduce parking congestion, and improve pedestrian walkway safety.
Add cooling systems to HVAC units at the elementary and middle schools.
Maintenance and Facility Improvements
Resurface the aging track, add safer throwing areas, and continue gym athletic upgrades.
Upgrade specialized classrooms, including library/digital media centers, special education spaces, outdoor education areas, STEAM education, and arts programs (e.g., theatre, visual, and performing arts spaces).
Conduct a future needs study to address school capacity and programming needs.
Modernize technology infrastructure and equipment district-wide.
Update aging furniture that is over 40 years old.
Feasibility study for capacity issues and secondary facility improvements.
Financial Context: Not a “New” Tax
This levy replaces an expiring one passed in 2022, which funded collections from 2023–2025. Over the last three years, Capital Projects Levy funds have enabled us to:
Add eight portable classrooms and remodel nine primary classrooms to expand early learning and preschool opportunities.
Install new elementary play structures and a covered play area.
Purchase snow removal equipment for faster response times.
Expand camera coverage across district facilities, buses, and vehicles.
Improve gym and bleacher facilities, including handrails and maintenance.
Enhance school security with new controlled entrances at all schools.
Modernize classroom technology and bus communication systems.
Upgrade heating systems at the high school and Swiftwater, including new hot water tanks.
Enhance athletic facilities, landscaping, and interior/exterior updates district-wide.
We encourage all eligible voters to participate in the election on February 11, 2025. Ballots will be mailed on January 21, 2025. The district will begin posting factual information on Facebook and ParentSquare starting in mid January.
If you'd like to share the fact sheets with others please do, or direct them to our website for additional information.
Be well,
John H. Belcher (“JB”)
Superintendent of Schools