On April 22, voters in select areas of Skagit and Whatcom Counties will weigh in on important local measures that could shape the future of healthcare and education in their communities.
Two special elections — one for Meridian School District in Whatcom County and one for Island Health in Skagit — are asking for increased taxpayer support through levies and bonds, each with roots in community needs and planning.
Meridian School District Bond Measure in Whatcom County
The Meridian School District in Whatcom County is making a second attempt to pass a $70.9 million bond to rebuild Meridian Middle School, originally constructed in 1938.
Lisa Gilchrist, director of public relations for the district, said the proposal follows years of planning and community feedback.
“It started back in 2022 with an independent study and a district-wide survey of our facility needs,” Gilchrist said.
In November 2024, a $75 million bond fell short at the polls. It bundled big plans — rebuilding Meridian Middle School and upgrades at the high school — but didn’t hit the 60% supermajority mark required to pass. Now, the district is narrowing its focus to replace the aging 87-year-old middle school.
The new bond would cost property owners $1.35 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
“In the November bond, the rate was $1.38, so this one is a few cents lower by focusing solely on the middle school,” Gilchrist said.
However, Gilchrist emphasized the challenge small districts face when funding large projects.
“That $1.35 per $1,000 is a lot when you consider it’s a small community shouldering this cost,” she said.
Sara Bernardy, co-chair and treasurer of Meridian’s Citizens Committee for Education, underscored the urgency of the issue.
“No one can deny that this is necessary, right? But timing matters, and every year we delay, costs rise exponentially,” Bernardy said.
Bernardy also stressed safety concerns.
“We're dealing with a structure that predates modern seismic safety standards,” Bernardy said. “That wasn’t even a consideration back then.”
Learning from the narrow failure in November, Meridian’s Citizens Committee for Education campaign strategy has shifted.
“We’re a small but mighty committee of volunteers,” Bernardy said. “In the past, we might’ve relied on large in-person events. This time, we’re focusing on social media and grassroots outreach to spread the word.”
A billboard advocating for Meridian School District’s special election bond measure stands along the shoulder of Hannegan Road in Lynden, Wash., on April 16, 2025. The proposed 70.9 million dollar bond would fund the reconstruction of Meridian Middle School, originally built in 1938. // Photo by Oliver Mortell
Bernardy also addressed confusion about voter eligibility, noting that only registered voters in the district, not all of Bellingham, can vote.
The Meridian School District covers more than just the area around the school — it includes parts of Lynden, Everson, and Ferndale.
As of April 20, 1,168 ballots have been accepted out of the 8,222 registered voters in the district.
“Meridian has a long history of supporting education,” Bernardy said. “It’s always been a dedicated group of community members working together to build something better.”
For more details, visit Meridian School District's website.
In-person voters may vote in Suite 103 of the Whatcom County Courthouse (311 Grand Ave. in Bellingham). Mailed ballots must be returned to designated drop boxes by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22. Find a ballot drop box here.
Island Health Levy in Skagit County
Island Health of Public Hospital District No. 2 in Skagit County is asking voters in the 98221 ZIP code to approve an increase in the district's regular property tax levy. If passed, the measure would authorize a maximum levy rate of 75 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, starting in 2026.
Laura Maroney, director of marketing and communications at Island Health, explained that the measure aims to provide operating and capital funds for Island Health, which serves Fidalgo, Guemes, Cypress and Sinclair Islands.
“We've had this levy for several years, and we are asking voters to approve an increase,” Maroney said. “Those taxpayer dollars are used to pay for the tools, equipment, technology and facilities to provide health care in our public hospital district.”
With about 18,000 registered voters out of the 23,211 residents in the district, voter turnout will be crucial.
“If you are a registered voter in 98221, you can vote to approve or not approve the levy,” Maroney said.
For more details, visit Island Health’s website.
Skagit special election ballots must be returned to drop boxes by 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 22. Find a nearby drop box here.
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.
