Jemtegaard Middle School, built to accommodate 308 students, is expected to juggle more than 500 of them next ­autumn.

So, there was no hesitation when the Washougal district school board agreed Tuesday to place a $46.6 million school construction bond measure on the May 20 ballot.

“It’s definitely needed,” said board president Blaine Peterson. “It’s really obvious when you look at where the kids are being educated, we need the space.”

Washougal enrollment has grown more than 15 percent since voters last approved new school construction, in 1999. Despite the current economic lull, the city is destined for more growth, officials said.

The bond measure, which requires 60 percent supermajority approval, would raise tax rates an estimated 82 cents per $1,000 assessed property value in 2009.

That’s a $244.85 increase for a home worth $300,000 for the 2008-2009 tax year.

The bond money would go for several projects:

• $41.5 million to build a 1,200-student, shared elementary and middle school campus on Jemtegaard Middle School property. The Jemtegaard building would be razed.
• $1.35 million to build covered play areas at the district’s three elementary schools.
• $450,000 for ventilation upgrades at three elementary schools and Canyon Creek Middle School.
• $1.84 million for a new Washougal High School gym floor and renovation of Fishback Stadium to add covered seating, new restrooms and concessions, team rooms and announcer booths.
• $381,500 for additional storage at Washougal High and Canyon Creek.
• $1.01 million for additional storage in the district’s warehouse and maintenance areas.

A strong incentive to rebuild Jemtegaard from scratch is $8.2 million in state matching money that would kick in for new construction, officials said.

School officials hope the bond try won’t be as rough as Washougal’s last attempt.

There were five failed attempts, before 68 percent of voters approved a $36 million bond measure in March 1999.

That money was used for a major high school remodel, built the Cape Horn-Skye ­middle-and-elementary school complex and paid for renovation and expansion of Jemtegaard and Gause and Hathaway elementary schools.

Between soaring construction costs and current low bond rates, school officials believe voters will agree it makes sense to act now.

“Nobody wants new taxes,” said Amanda Klackner, a school parent who has worked on an ad hoc district facilities committee since November. “But, eventually a bond will pass. (This) is going to be the best value for voters.”

Howard Buck covers schools and education. He can be reached at 360-735-4515 or howard.buck@columbian.com.