Ephrata SD to host guided bond tour
Superintendent Ken Murray, right, discusses the challenges of band class in the long narrow room with Assistant Superintendent Aaron Cummings, right. The two will be leading a facility tour Feb. 4 to show the reasons behind the 2026 bond proposal.
NANCE BESTON/COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD
EPHRATA — Community members will have the chance to see firsthand how the Ephrata School District’s proposed 2026 bond would impact local schools during a guided building tour at 5 p.m. Feb. 4.
The district announced that the three‑hour tour will begin at Columbia Ridge Elementary, one of the district’s newly renovated schools. From there, participants will visit Grant Elementary, Parkway Intermediate, and Ephrata High School; the buildings identified for replacement or major renovation under the $75 million bond proposal.
According to Sarah Morford, the district’s Director of Public Relations, the goal is to give residents a clear, side‑by‑side look at what modern learning environments can offer and how aging facilities compare.
“Some people haven’t been in our buildings for a while,” Morford said. “We wanted to provide an opportunity for them to see firsthand what this bond will impact and who.”
Morford said organizers intentionally structured the tour to begin in a newly updated space, so attendees can use it as a point of reference before moving through older buildings. Superintendent Ken Murray and Assistant Superintendent Aaron Cummings will lead the tour, with principals from each school available to answer building‑specific questions.
Because the group will travel between campuses, RSVPs are required, Morford said.
“We want to make sure we don’t have someone show up and not collect them along the way,” she said. The district hopes to reach a wide range of residents – from undecided voters to families new to the district, to longtime community members who want updated information.
“Anyone who has questions about the bond is who we’re hoping to gather,” Morford said.
She said staff will answer questions throughout the tour, and additional resources are available at TigersVote.org, including the district bond town hall video and a portal for submitting questions.
Morford noted that this tour is one of more than 40 community outreach efforts the district has held since November.
“If people want a presentation or have questions, they can reach out. We’re happy to come talk to them,” she said.
Ephrata Schools Bond Tour
Feb. 4, 5 p.m.
RSVP: [email protected]
More info: TigersVote.org