Members of our Capital Projects Oversight Committee met in August for their quarterly review of our bond spending and construction progress.
These local industry experts are appointed by the superintendent, and two members are elected by our Capital Facilities Advisory Committee. They represent community interests and ensure transparency as we use voter-approved taxpayer funds to replace or repair aging facilities.
At the end of the August 13 meeting, after the committee reviewed financial statements and asked questions, the consensus was, “Good job, guys, for staying on top of it!”
Meeting Summary
Oversight Committee members present:
- Elizabeth Leavitt, principal for Climate Response, Jacobs
- Stuart Mathews, assistant director, Aviation Project Management, Port of Seattle
- Ryan McMullan, senior manager, Aviation Noise Programs, Port of Seattle
- Erik Ruffing, elected member, Capital Facilities Advisory Committee; design and construction manager
- Mika Sundberg, elected member, Capital Facilities Advisory Committee; architect
Staff member presenters:
- Jackie Bryan, chief financial officer
- Ellie Daneshnia, executive director of Capital Planning & Construction
- James Schauss, procurement & budgeting manager of Capital Planning and Construction.
School board members Stephanie Tidholm and Joe Van attended the meeting to listen.
Unexpected Challenges
Chief Financial Officer Jackie Bryan provided an update on two unexpected summer challenges: water vandalism at the new Evergreen High School construction site and a fire at the Southern Heights Campus, which was home to two secondary schools — Innovation Heights Academy and Highline Virtual Academy.
Due to the extent of fire and water damage at the Southern Heights Campus, we had to quickly identify a new location to serve our students and staff in the 2024-25 school year.
A crew from Forma Construction is working seven days a week to renovate the 1950 Original Beverly Park Site. Our top priority is to provide students and staff with a safe and comfortable learning environment by the first day of school in September. We are working with our insurance company for reimbursement and anticipate that most costs will be covered. Read more about the renovations underway at the Original Beverly Park Site.
Construction at the new Evergreen High School continues at a steady pace, with additional work hours to make up for time lost due to the water vandalism we reported in June. Jackie said, “We are still working to determine the extent of the damage and the scope of repair, and we will keep you informed.” See the August project update and photos of the Evergreen High School project.
2016 & 2022 Bond, Non-bond & Grant Projects
At the meeting, Ellie Daneshnia, executive director of Highline’s Capital Planning & Construction team, provided photos and updates on the following projects:
- Pacific Middle School continues to progress in design development review.
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The Sylvester Middle School Track/Field, Soccer Mini Pitch and Restroom project is nearly complete.
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The Transportation Building project is progressing, with permit checks and interior design coordination ongoing. Environmental comments are due by August 23, and acoustic requirements are being assessed due to the building's proximity to the airport.
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Location additions to the Security Camera project.
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The Highline Memorial Stadium Field Surface Replacement was completed, including funding from a $250,000 grant.
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Critical Needs & Capital Improvements
- Work began on the Original Beverly Park Site renovation.
- The search for a site for Maritime High School is ongoing.
- The Valley View Modular Addition project is in the design phase and is in city review.
- Roofing improvements are being made for some buildings at Chinook Middle School, Hilltop Elementary and the Maintenance & Operations campus.
- Renovation efforts are progressing on the former bowling alley (South CAB) building at Highline’s Central Office, with ongoing communication with the City of Burien about permitting.
- An ADA access ramp has been added to Hilltop Elementary, supported by a $100,000 OSPI grant.
- Lighting has been completed for the Sunnydale tennis courts, funded by a $100,000 grant.
- Painting projects are scheduled for Madrona, Bow Lake, and White Center Heights elementary schools, along with Big Picture Middle and High School. Exterior painting will be finished by the end of August, with interior painting postponed until winter break.
Financial Update
Staff reviewed the bond financial report with the Oversight Committee, which includes bond issuance costs. They reported a revision to the Sylvester field project budget to reflect unexpected site conditions and permitting requirements, offset by the contingency budget.
Ellie said, “We’re in a healthy stage for both the Evergreen and Tyee projects financially. We haven’t had to touch the contingency budget for Tyee yet.” County permitting requirements drove the use of some contingency budget for the Evergreen project, but the project remains within the project contingency.