MLSD forms facilities commission

Committee looks at buildings, discusses upgrades

By RYAN LANCASTER

Staff Reporter

A committee of parents, community members, teachers, administrators and two school board members has been created to analyze Medical Lake School District's facilities.

According to Superintendent Pam Veltri, a grant through the state Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction is funding a series of committee meetings and tours that will help the commission identify needs for new construction, modernization or replacement of facilities.

The survey will also look at the district's educational programs and plans, student population projections, capital finance and operating capabilities.

The new commission met for the first time Monday at Medical Lake Elementary and plans to meet again Oct. 19 as well as three times in November; the 2nd, 16th and 30th. Veltri said Michael Anderson Elementary, Hallett Elementary and Medical Lake Middle School will be visited and that all district schools will be discussed as well as facilities like bus garages and district offices.

Assistant superintendent Ralph Headly, who is a member of the commission, said a bond measure may be discussed, depending on their findings.

“A few years ago we tried to pass a bond for a new elementary school but it failed,” he said. “Now we're looking at what our options are.”

A 60 percent supermajority was needed in 2008, but only 52 percent of voters said yes to a $19.5 million bond which would have raised funds to replace the 50-year-old Medical Lake Elementary School and build new classrooms at the middle school.

School officials have expressed concern that MLES has electrical issues, no air conditioning and inadequate fire safety equipment.

Veltri said details of a public meeting will soon be announced for Nov. 2 to gather citizen input on the district's needs. The commission's final recommendations will be ready for public comment Nov. 30.

Ryan Lancaster can be reached at [email protected].