Washington Community School District residents can vote absentee in person at the Washington County Courthouse for the middle school general obligation bond referendum election happening September 14th.

After two public online surveys were held the district petitioned to hold an election on whether to issue bonds of up to $25 million to renovate the the old part of the current high school and add four new additions including a two-story addition to the west part of the building, a one-story addition to the renovated middle school wing, with a new secure entryway for middle school students and a new gymnasium. Washington Superintendent Willie Stone says one of the frequently asked questions he’s received about the referendum is what the district would then do with the old building. Stone explains that the district would look for a reputable developer to develop the building by the end of 2026 when students would be out of that building, “If we find a developer, in talking with our legal counsel, within the contract we’ll have some stipulations as far as significant work being done by so much time. If that work isn’t done it will revert back to the district. The thing I want to make sure to ensure people is that we won’t have a building that’s falling apart and that’ll be left there to fall apart.”

If a developer isn’t found the district will demolish the building, which was accounted for in the $25 million budget. A 60% majority is needed for the referendum to pass, and absentee voting is available at the county auditor’s office through September 13th. The deadline to pre-register to vote in person is this Friday at 3 p.m., and polls will be open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. in the basement of the courthouse and at Brighton Town Hall. You can hear more about the election during a two-part Halcyon House Washington Page on air and at kciiradio.com.