The 2017 enrollment numbers are in and the Auburn School District is the fastest growing district in King County, with an increase in enrollment of 3.63 percent or 572 more students this year than 2016. To be exact, 16,525 students were enrolled on Oct. 1.

Last November, ASD voters approved a $456 million bond to replace six schools and build two new elementary schools. Historical data and enrollment projections had shown the ASD would continue to grow and adding space was a necessity. This year’s enrollment numbers confirm the projections.

Passage of the bond last year shows the Auburn community’s commitment to continue to provide strong schools and increase capacity to educate more students, school district officials said.

The ASD Capital Projects Department has been doing significant planning, preparation and design work for the replacement and new schools since the bond passed. Groundbreaking for Olympic Middle School will be in the spring, school officials said.

As the enrollment shows, it is critical the ASD build new schools, school officials said.

Acquiring land for the two new elementary schools is a top priority, school officials said. The district has been searching for property for several years, even before the bond passed last year. District staff are in ongoing discussions with property owners. Suitable land that can accommodate an elementary school is almost gone in this fast-growing district.

“Finding property that will work for schools has been challenging,” said Alan Spicciati, Auburn School District superintendent. “We are doing everything we can, and want the community to know the current situation.”