Lake Stevens School District Approves $70.7 Million Three-Story School

The Lake Stevens School District released the first visual designs for the new Glenwood Elementary School on Friday, detailing a $70.7 million project that will replace the current facility with a three-story structure.

District officials submitted ecological permitting paperwork to the Washington State Department of Ecology on October 27. Robb Stanton, the executive director of school planning and construction, described the permit process as complex. He noted the team must protect the environment and secure approval from multiple oversight agencies before breaking ground.

Voters approved a capital improvement bond in February 2025 to fund the construction. The state is contributing an additional $12.3 million to the project. Stanton said the district plans to receive a total of about $80 million in state funds for the overall capital project, which will stretch the community’s $314 million bond contribution to cover more than $400 million in work.

The new building will sit on the same footprint as the existing school because the site borders a protected wetland that cannot be developed. Stanton explained that the district is building upward to maximize usable space on the small lot. This three-story design marks the first time the district has constructed a school with more than two levels.

The renderings show a bus loop and a separate drop-off area, features the old school lacked. A turf field and play area will occupy the front of the building. Stanton said these front-facing areas allow the public to access the school grounds more easily.

Gina Anderson, the chief of innovation, compliance and school support operations, emphasized the connection to the local environment. She said all classrooms will overlook the glen, and an outdoor classroom will provide direct access to the natural area. A secure perimeter fence will enclose the campus, with electronic gates allowing public entry after hours.

Planning documents specify 26 learning spaces capable of holding more than 650 students. The current Glenwood Elementary enrolls approximately 640 students. The district reports a growth rate of 50 to 100 new students per year.

The capital bond also funds the construction of Elementary School No. 8, a new specialized learning center, a new Skyline Elementary, an expansion at Lake Stevens Middle School, and a gymnasium at Hillcrest Elementary. Construction on Glenwood Elementary is scheduled to begin in June 2027 and finish in time for the 2028-29 school year.

A temporary housing plan is in place during the transition. Glenwood students will move into Elementary School No. 8 for the 2027-28 school year. Lake Stevens Middle School students will use that building during renovations in the 2028-29 year. The district will finalize the name and mascot for Elementary School No. 8 after a community re-boundering process in the third year.

Jayme Taylor, a district spokesperson, described the moving schedule as a complex logistical effort. She compared the process to a game of Jenga, where students shift between buildings to honor community commitments and use tax dollars efficiently.