An Open Letter to the Community from the Lynden School Board

As your elected Lynden School Board Directors, we are writing to you to provide clear, accurate information about the November 4 bond proposal to replace Lynden High School.

Why Replace Lynden High School?

This fall, Lynden High School opened 177 students above its capacity. The original high school building was designed in 1980 to serve 500 students and has been expanded twice for a total permanent classroom capacity of 740. Common areas such as the library, hallways, the cafeteria, offices, and student support services have not been expanded. The facility lacks space and is limited in its offerings in preparing students for careers in skilled trades and post-secondary education, particularly in the sciences. It is the view of the board that the facilities no longer meet the functional needs of modern education nor the growth of our community.

Options to expand and remodel the existing space have been well researched and reviewed by us and multiple citizen’s groups. A new, replacement high school is the most cost effective way to meet these needs. Waiting will not reduce the cost or the urgency, it will only increase them.

What is the Cost?

The biggest concern we have, and shared by fellow residents, is the cost and impact on personal finances.

The proposed bond is $129 million in principal. If approved, the district is eligible to receive an estimated $31 million in state School Construction Assistance Program (SCAP) funds, returning those dollars to the community. The total investment in the project is $160 million.

With interest and fees, the total cost of bonds sold is currently estimated at $253 million based on interest rates of 5.74%–5.87%. If lower interest rates are available when bonds are sold, the total repayment cost could be less.

How is Debt Repayment Structured?

Debt repayment is set by the district after the bonds are sold and interest rates become known. Bonds are usually sold across multiple years, and we have limited their terms to a maximum of 22 years. The Lynden School Board has committed to a $1.13 per $1,000 of assessed property value over the term of the bonds to help citizens plan for annual costs. A 4% increase in total assessed value of all taxable properties is assumed within our drafted debt repayment structure. Collection would begin in 2027 and run through 2047-2051 depending on final determination of terms.

A property owner can estimate their personal cost by taking their total assessed property value divided by 1,000 and then multiplied by $1.13. For example, a home assessed at $600,000 would face an estimated increase of $56.50 per month, or $678 per year, with an estimated increase of 4% annual growth thereafter. Renters do not pay property taxes directly but may see an increase in rent as a result of increased costs for landlords. If the owner of an apartment unit valued at $175,000 were to choose to pass the cost down to renters, it could result in an increase of $16.50 per month.

Reductions Since 2024 Proposals

In response to community input, the board chose to focus this bond on the High School only. By removing the elementary school expansion plans, refinancing existing debt, maximizing State Construction Assistance Program (SCAP) funding, securing energy grants, and allocating general education funds to complete smaller capital projects, we’ve reduced the bond to $129 million down from $157.5 million in 2024.

Oversight and Accountability

Bond funds can only be used for voter-approved projects. A citizen oversight committee will be established to monitor spending.

An Invitation to Learn More

Informed decisions matter most to the five of us that have volunteered our time to represent all citizens of Lynden. We want to make sure you have all the facts, understand the challenges associated with growth, see firsthand the public facilities currently serving Lynden students, understand complicated school funding structures, and be given opportunities to ask questions and receive answers. Here are some ways you can get more information on this bond:

Reach Out Directly – Call or email any board director or the superintendent’s office to request more information or speak with someone one-on-one. Our contact information is included below.
Attend our Special ‘Town Hall’ Meeting on October 2 at 6:30 pm – We are opening the October 2 School Board Meeting with a special ‘Town Hall-style’ work session held at Lynden High School. This will be a time for citizens to ask questions, provide input in relationship to the bond proposal, and tour the school.
Host an Informational Session – Schedule Superintendent VanderYacht and/or board members to attend your club meeting, a special gathering, or simply a one-on-one opportunity.
Attend a High School Tour and Q&A Session – Walk the halls and see the facilities for yourself. Superintendent VanderYacht is hosting walking tours of LHS and answering questions each Saturday in October and November 1. They begin at the main school office at 9:00am each Saturday. Lynden High School is located at 1201 Bradley Road.
Explore our Website – Find detailed information on what is included within the project at www.lynden.wednet.edu. The site also includes a detailed financial breakdown, robust FAQ section, and historical summary of how priorities were determined through the use of community advisory groups.

We invite every citizen to participate- not passively, but actively as informed citizens shaping the path ahead. Thank you for caring about our schools and for being willing to learn more. Lynden is stronger when we do this together.

Jim Verburg, Chair- VerburgJ@lynden.wednet.edu

Ken Owsley- OwsleyK@lynden.wednet.edu

Khush Brar- BrarK@lynden.wednet.edu

Danny Martinez- MartinezD@lynden.wednet.edu

Tonya Hickman- HickmanT@lynden.wednet.edu