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Upcoming community meeting for Ephrata schools

NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 months, 2 weeks AGO
by NANCE BESTON
Staff Writer | January 7, 2026 1:00 AM

EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District is hosting two upcoming meetings to allow the community to ask questions and engage with district officials on the schools and the proposed $75 million bond.

“Our schools are the heart of Ephrata,” Ephrata School District Superintendent Ken Murray wrote in a statement. “This bond will secure the next 40 years of our community’s K-8 schools and set up Ephrata High School for the next phase of improvements. It would allow us to replace outdated buildings, strengthen safety and create learning environments that support students now and for decades to come.”

First, the district will host a town hall meeting on the proposed bond, which would replace both Grant Elementary and Parkway Intermediate, along with a partial renovation of Ephrata High School. The meeting is 6 p.m. Jan. 14, next Wednesday, at Ephrata High School’s Performing Arts Center. The measure will be on the Feb. 10, 2026, ballot.

According to the district, for homes with an assessed value of $300,000, the bond is estimated to increase taxes by around $400 yearly. The district is predicting the combined school tax rate increase by around $1.07 per $1,000 of assessed value, if the bond is approved. More information about the bond can be found at TigersVote.org.

Following, Murray will be at the Bookery on Jan. 22 from 8 to 11 a.m. for a “Coffee or Cocoa with Ken.” This is a less formal option for residents to sit down with Murray and ask questions and share thoughts.

Bond Town Hall

Jan. 14

6 p.m.

Ephrata High School Performing Arts Center

718 Frey Road NW, Ephrata

Coffee/Cocoa with Ken

Jan. 22

8 to 11 a.m.

The Bookery

1 Basin St. NW, Ephrata

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