Final community meeting set as Ephrata schools gather feedback on potential bond

EPHRATA — Community members will have one final opportunity Wednesday to share their thoughts on Ephrata School District facility needs before district leaders consider whether to move forward with a possible construction bond proposal. 

The fourth Community Facility Study Meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday at Ephrata Middle School. District officials are encouraging residents to attend, ask questions and provide feedback that could help shape a future bond package. 

According to Ephrata School District Communications Director Sarah Vasquez, the district hopes to gather final community input on both the scope and scheduling of a potential bond measure.

“We are hoping that we could potentially get some streamlined feedback from the community about the timing and the potential bond package, and if they think it's a feasible cost for the community,” Vasquez said. 

The district has spent the past several months gathering public feedback through surveys and a series of community meetings following the defeat of a previous bond proposal. Discussions have centered on the district's existing facility needs. 

Vasquez said one message has consistently emerged during the first three meetings. 

“We did hear that Grant Elementary is a priority,” she said. “The consensus among a lot of people, not 100%, but most of the community, is that they do want to prioritize Grant and that being the highest need.” 

Community members have also expressed concerns about the size and cost of the district's previous bond package and the proposed location of a new Grant Elementary building. 

“We've heard concerns about rising costs and the total size of the last package,” Vasquez said. “We also heard concerns about the location of the last package moving Grant Elementary from where it's at now.” 

The district has used that feedback to evaluate how a future proposal might be structured. 

“The community feedback has been really great,” Vasquez said. “The biggest thing standing out is that the community largely would likely support a bond package that's centered around Grant Elementary.” 

Grant Elementary is currently one of the district's oldest school buildings and serves a significant number of students in portable classrooms. Vasquez said improving the facility would also address equity concerns between Grant Elementary and the newer Columbia Ridge Elementary. 

For residents who have not attended any of the previous sessions, Vasquez said Wednesday's meeting remains an important opportunity to participate. 

“It's still an opportunity to come and tell us what the thoughts and opinions were about the last bond package and any future bond package,” she said. “We just want to make sure that people are heard, whether they're for or against another bond, so that the school district can make an informed decision.” 

Vasquez said public involvement is critical because schools affect the entire community, not just families with students currently enrolled. 

“Our schools are central to our community, whether you have students or not,” she said. “It's important to hear what the concerns are of each person and what the needs are and for us to really build the bond package around what the community wants.” 

She also hopes attendees leave with a better understanding of how school bonds work and the challenges facing the district's facilities. 

“I just hope that people are more informed so that we can really be proactive with information and kind of keep away from those false narratives that can be out there during a bond,” Vasquez said. “Information is key.” 

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Ephrata Middle School. Community members are invited to attend, ask questions and provide feedback about the district's future facility needs. 

Bond Community Facility Study Meeting

Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. 

Ephrata Middle School  

384 A St. SE, Ephrata