Richland School District Proposes $94M Bond for School Construction and Upgrades

Richland School District (RSD) is asking voters in Benton County, Washington, to approve an approximately $94 million bond on February 9, 2027. The proposed funding would support construction and renovation work across multiple district facilities, including a permanent building for River’s Edge High School, modernization at Chief Joseph Middle School, and infrastructure improvements at other campuses and the learning center. The project list also includes boiler and roof replacements at Richland High School. The measure remains subject to voter approval, so neither the bond funding nor the associated projects should be treated as confirmed procurements at this stage.

The district says River’s Edge currently relies on aging portable classrooms and lacks enough space for many students at one time. Officials have said those constraints reduce instructional time and raise safety concerns. At Chief Joseph Middle School, the district reports that the building has not been modernized in more than 30 years. Staff and the Community Facilities Task Force identified aging building systems, older classroom technology, and accessibility and security concerns. Assistant Superintendent of Human Capital and Operations Ken Gosley said the work is overdue and noted that reliable heating and cooling could help prevent classroom disruptions and excessively hot rooms.

For contractors, the bond proposal is an early planning signal—not an active solicitation. If approved, the scope could create future opportunities in school construction, renovation, mechanical systems, roofing, accessibility, security, and related building upgrades. The district has not identified a procurement schedule, delivery approach, contract packaging, or specific solicitation. Firms should therefore monitor RSD announcements and budget or bond materials rather than presume that any particular project will be competed or awarded on a set timeline.

The district estimates that approval would make it eligible for approximately $21 million to $22 million in additional state construction funding. That funding is conditional, and RSD has cautioned that future state funding levels are not guaranteed to remain the same. The district projects a tax increase of about $0.10 per $1,000 of assessed value beginning in 2028; its estimate for a $500,000 home is approximately $4.17 per month, or $50 annually. The proposed 2027 bond would also consolidate the remaining amount from the 2023 capital projects levy. If voters reject the measure, the district says it would continue operating Chief Joseph, River’s Edge, and five other schools with aging infrastructure, while emergency repairs would continue to draw on the operating budget used for teachers, programs, and student support.

• Bond vote: Benton County voters are scheduled to decide on the approximately $94 million measure on February 9, 2027.
• Potential state support: Approval could make RSD eligible for an estimated $21–22 million in additional state construction funding; eligibility and funding are not guaranteed before approval.
• River’s Edge High School: The proposal includes a permanent building to address reliance on aging portables, limited student capacity, instructional impacts, and safety concerns.
• Chief Joseph Middle School: Proposed renovations respond to more than 30 years without modernization and reported needs involving systems, classroom technology, accessibility, and security.
• Richland High School: The project list includes boiler and roof replacements, indicating potential future mechanical and roofing requirements.
• Planning process: A 30-member Community Facilities Task Force formed in April 2026 and met monthly to review enrollment and building data before recommending the plan.
• Tax estimate: RSD projects an increase of about $0.10 per $1,000 of assessed value beginning in 2028; for a $500,000 home, the district estimates about $50 annually.
• Budget implications if rejected: RSD says emergency repairs would continue to compete with operating funds for teachers, programs, and student support, while schools retain aging infrastructure.
• Procurement posture: No solicitation, award, procurement schedule, or contract structure is identified. Contractors should track district bond updates and future notices before investing in bid-specific pursuit activity.
• Taxpayer assistance: The district notes that eligible low-income households may seek property tax exemption or deferral through the Benton County Assessor’s Office.