After a school bond is approved by voters, Highline’s Capital Projects Oversight Committee tracks bond spending and project progress. This group of local industry experts meet quarterly to review bond project financial reports and ask questions. This committee has been active since the 2016 bond was approved.
All 2022 bond projects are on track and within budget. Some savings from 2022 bond projects are anticipated as construction wraps up, and final costs come in below estimates. As projects are completed, remaining funds are reassigned to support other Highline capital needs. Remaining funds will move into contingency or critical needs funds once projects close out.
Meeting Summary: May 12, 2026
Below is a summary of updates the Oversight Committee received during the meeting.
EVERGREEN HIGH SCHOOL
The final phase of construction on the new Evergreen High School campus remains on schedule and on budget. Recent work includes installing synthetic turf for the new baseball field, field and perimeter fencing, restroom installation, and grading work for the new ball fields.
Next, crews will begin installing synthetic turf for the new softball field and pave the remaining fire loop and access road ahead of the new playfields opening this August.
PACIFIC MIDDLE SCHOOL
Construction on the new Pacific Middle School remains on schedule and on budget. Crews recently completed the structural steel columns and beams, while roofing and exterior work is ongoing. Underground utility and geothermal systems are nearly complete.
Next, crews will begin installing the masonry façade. Planning and design continue for upgrading the nearby district tennis courts, included in project funding.
See photos of progress and a visit to the Pacific construction site by Highline High School students from the Core Plus Construction program.
BOILER REPLACEMENT PROJECT
The district’s Boiler Replacement Project remains on budget across multiple school sites. Work includes completed boiler installations at Cascade Middle School; White Center Heights, Hazel Valley and Gregory Heights elementary schools; and the Original Beverly Park Site (home to Highline Virtual Academy and Innovation Heights Academy).
Two boilers were installed at Mount Rainier High School, and boiler repairs were completed at Bow Lake Elementary. Plans and permits are underway to repair steam leaks in pipes that return condensed steam to the boiler system at the Original Beverly Park Site.
PLANNING FOR SOUTHERN HEIGHTS REBUILD
Planning is ongoing for the Southern Heights Rebuild project as design work moves forward. Recent work includes geotechnical investigations, traffic and arborist reports, and early planning related to site needs and future use as a school. This work is going forward using insurance and non-bond funds in preparation for use by CHOICE Academy as soon as fall 2028.
To support CHOICE’s move into a modernized facility as soon as possible, additional funding for the rebuild and renovation is being recommended for inclusion in a potential November bond that Highline’s Capital Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC) plans to present the School Board in June.
Next steps include working with the City of Burien on permits, completing materials testing, and continuing schematic design so the project is ready if a November 2026 bond to fully fund it is placed on the ballot and approved by voters.
BOND PROCESS UPDATE
Chief Financial Officer Jackie Bryan shared an update on the Capital Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC), a community-led group that reviews school facility needs and develops bond recommendations for the school board to consider. The committee has been meeting for two years to discuss the next bond and will present its recommendation to the School Board on June 3. Learn more on our website.
CRITICAL NEEDS BUDGET
Initial funding for the Phase 3 security camera projects is $350,000 from the Critical Needs budget line.
Summer roofing projects will include roofing restoration for the original part of the Puget Sound Skills Center, and for the Original Beverly Park Site, home to Highline Virtual Academy and Innovation Heights Academy.
Updates were shared about progress on meeting the state’s Clean Buildings Performance Standard, which requires energy performance studies and upgrades, such as lighting improvements, to help district buildings become more energy efficient. Initial funding of $2 million was allocated to this project from the base Critical Needs budget.
Funding for the addition of the modular three-classroom building at Valley View Early Learning Center was funded by an early learning grant, plus Critical Needs bond budget and non-bond funding sources.