West Valley School District is asking voters to approve a $6.8 million bond request through a mail-ballot election in October.

About 2,656 ballots will be mailed to registered voters Oct. 1. Ballots must be returned by Oct. 22.

The bond request, if approved, would fund approximately 30,000 square feet of new construction to accommodate the growing student population.

Last year, the school building was beyond its capacity of 470, ending the year at 514 students.

Even before the first day of school this year, enrollment is estimated to be even higher at 540 students.

Expansion of West Valley School would include 13 classrooms primarily for middle school students, two music rooms, a flexible area for eating or educational activities, a teacher-preparation room, expanded library and administrative offices and kitchen.

Owners of a home valued at $200,000 could expect to see taxes go up by $154 annually. For owners of a $300,000 home, annual taxes could go up by $231.

These tax rates might be lowered in 2015 when the district is expected to retire a $1.925 million existing bond issue.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.