YAKIMA, Wash. – The Yakima School District Board of Directors are taking action to improve local schools. They are asking voters to authorize a $200 million bond measure aimed at upgrading two elementary schools and enhancing facilities district-wide.

The bond measure follows a unanimous vote by the board this week. If passed, it will fund the complete rebuilding of Hoover Elementary and Garfield Elementary . Both schools were constructed decades ago, with Hoover built in 1947 and Garfield in 1966.

The need for upgrades is pressing.

"The need is not gone away, and it's only gotten exacerbated over time as facilities age," said Jake Kuper, Assistant Superintendent of Finance for the school district.

Kuper explained the costs involved, stating that rebuilding each school would cost

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