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Special election: Meridian Middle School’s future uncertain after $70.9M bond measure fails

Meridian School District falls short of supermajority while voters in Skagit County approve Island Health levy

A ballot drop box on April 26, 2025, in Bellingham, Wash., where Meridian School District residents casted their vote on April 22. The $70.9 million bond measure to rebuild Meridian Middle School failed to pass. // Photo by Oliver Mortell

Editors Note: This article has been updated since publication to correct the misspelling of a source's name.

Meridian School District’s $70.9 million bond measure to rebuild Meridian Middle School failed to secure the 60% supermajority needed for passage, leaving the future of the 87-year-old campus in limbo. 

Despite a concentrated effort to sway voters and stress the school’s deteriorating conditions, preliminary results from the April 22 special election show the measure fell short.

The initiative saw a  32.6% voter turnout, with 48.73% approving the bond measure and 51.27% rejecting it, according to the Whatcom County Auditor’s office.

The district had hoped the refined bond proposal, trimmed from the $75 million version rejected in November, would garner broader support. Community concerns over tax increases and timing appear to have remained significant hurdles for many voters.

In a statement released by the district, officials acknowledged the defeat with disappointment, saying, “We continue to be committed to our students and to providing them with the best learning environment possible... We will need time to reflect, gather additional input and observe the economic climate before we make a decision about if and when to move forward with another ask.”

Robert Kratzig, the bond leader for the district and assistant principal at Meridian High School, said the chances of reaching the supermajority were slim, even with remaining ballots still being counted.

“Looking at how many ballots typically come in after Election Day, it would take an overwhelming swing in our favor, which we don’t expect to see.”

Kratzig emphasized Washington’s school construction funding model places a heavy burden on small, rural communities like Meridian. 

“Construction costs are high, and it’s not an insignificant ask. People make these decisions based on what they can afford,” Kratzig said.

Despite the setback, district officials made clear the underlying issue remains: Meridian Middle School continues to face critical infrastructure problems. 

“The election results don’t change the fact that we have a school campus with significant needs,” Kratzig said. “It’s gotten beyond what routine maintenance can handle.”

While there are no immediate plans to put forward a revised bond, the district said it will continue to engage with the community and reassess its next steps.

“We want to express gratitude to all of the volunteers who gave their time to inform and engage the public,” the district’s statement concluded. “The need hasn’t gone away, and neither has our commitment.”

Skagit County Voters Approve Island Health Levy

Voters in Skagit County have approved a ballot measure authorizing Island Health, the district hospital, to collect a maximum levy rate of 75 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, beginning in 2026. 

The measure passed with 54.58% of the vote, while 46.42% opposed it, according to the Skagit County Auditor. Voter turnout was reported at 46.23%.

Unlike the school bond measure, the levy required only a simple majority to pass.

Funds from the levy will support Island Health’s operating and capital needs, including equipment, technology and facility improvements. Island Health serves the residents of Fidalgo, Guemes, Cypress and Sinclair Islands.

In a statement, Island Health Board President Lynne M. Lang, PhD, expressed gratitude: “This levy is a critical foundation for the organization, enabling us to provide care for our community into the future. Thank you to our staff and providers who work hard to ensure access to healthcare to all residents.”


Oliver Mortell

Oliver Mortell (he/him) is a member of the city news beat team and is currently in his first quarter with The Front. He is a third-year public relations major with a passion for storytelling and community engagement. Outside the newsroom, Oliver enjoys reading, cooking, creating digital art, and exploring new places on foot. He can be reached at olivermortell.thefront@gmail.com.


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