This local school district would get a new K-5 school if voters approve $150 million bond
The Orting School District is proposing a ballot measure this year that, if approved, may build a new elementary school and improve existing schools in town.
Locals can approve or reject the school district’s $150 million bond on the Feb. 14 ballot. The 21-year bond would collect about $2.84 per $1,000 of assessed property value, according to the voter’s pamphlet. That would amount to $1,349 per year for the owner of a $475,000 home.
If the ballot measure is approved, the bond will build a new K-5 elementary school to serve between 600-700 children. The school would have a courtyard space, library and playground.
The school district purchased vacant land at 710 Washington Ave. for about $6.3 million in early 2022 to build the new school there. The 65 acres are north of Orting High and across from Orting Middle.
Ptarmigan Ridge Elementary would get eight additional classrooms, a food service space and a new gym if voters approve the ballot measure. The playground may also undergo some improvements, and buildings at the school may get new furniture, carpet and paint.
Orting High would get more parking spaces and a new gym and wrestling room if the ballot measure passes. There would also be a new science, technology and maker space dedicated to career and technical education courses.
The bond would also pay for new turf and track at Cardinal Stadium. If enough money is left, the bond might also help pay for HVAC improvements and an outdoor basketball court at Orting Middle.
Orting Primary opened its doors in 1968 with a plan to serve 290 students. The primary school currently serves over 500 students, according to the school district’s website.
Ptarmigan Ridge Elementary opened about 20 years ago and served 460 students, according to the school district’s website. Over 600 students currently attend the elementary school, which affects traffic and parking around the area.
Orting High was built in 1986 and accommodated 250 students at the time. When the school expanded around 2000, it increased its capacity to 600 students. Close to 900 students attend the high school currently, according to the school district’s website.
School district spokesperson Brittany Piger said the latest bond the school district put before voters was in 2017, which failed. The last district-issued bond voters approved was in 2006.
“If the bond is not approved, it is up to our board of directors if/when we run another bond. The items that our students and buildings are in dire need of will either be delayed or find temporary fixes,” superintendent Ed Hatzenbeler wrote in an email.
Orting School District’s ballot measure needs a 60 percent approval rate to pass, and the turnout must be 40 percent of the voters who cast a ballot in the 2022 general election.
