LYNDEN, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The Lynden School District is trying a different approach to get funding for several key projects.

School board members voted last month to place a new capital levy on the April 28 special election ballot.

If approved, it would raise $25.5 million over four years to address what the district has deemed “high-priority needs,” including upgrades to classroom capacity, security, technology and basic infrastructure.

According to the district’s resolution, the levy would raise property tax rates by roughly $1.09 per thousand dollars of assessed value.

It comes after three attempts by the district to approve a bond for a new Lynden High School all got shot down by voters. The district says replacing the high school still remains a top long-term priority.

Unlike the bond, which required a 60% supermajority to pass, this levy needs a simple majority of 50% plus one vote.

The Whatcom County Auditor’s Office is still seeking members to write “against” statements for the measure that will appear on the local voters’ pamphlet.

The deadline to apply and write a statement is this Wednesday.