Pacific Middle School: Existing Site Conditions
"Every kid deserves a safe place to go to school and a building in good condition." —Carlos Guardado, Lead Custodian, Pacific Middle School
Virtual Tour
A new school building would be a nicer environment and help us learn and do our work better. I thought it was supposed to be rebuilt a few years ago."
— Tia Carver, 8th grade, Pacific Middle School
Below is a virtual tour of Pacific Middle School, led by Carlos Guardado, lead custodian. The photos highlight a few of the reasons why Pacific Middle School was recommended for replacement by the Capital Facilities Advisory Committee.
This aging set of concrete block buildings, constructed quickly in 1960 during a district enrollment spike, includes additions, portable classrooms, worn furniture and finishings, and rapidly remodeled spaces to accommodate students in three grades.
Video Interview with Pacific Instructional Coach
Don't miss the video about Proposition 1: Highline Schools Bond, featuring Nikki Dunbar, instructional coach at Pacific Middle School. Here are her words:
"At Pacific, one thing we believe is that having high expectations for students floats all boats higher. We think that having a brand-new building that is modern and that is prepared for 21st-century learners, where students can see clean, beautiful windows and new drinking fountains and nice bathrooms. These are the things that communicate to students that they are valued by their community, that their community believes in them and that we are here for them, and we want them to succeed."
New School Design
Due to the small site constraints and the need for more classroom space, the design for the proposed new Pacific Middle School includes a three-story classroom section.
The new building would have a single secured entry, a main office in a central location with more visibility and eating spaces that are not across a busy hallway from the food servery. It would meet current building codes for electrical systems, earthquakes and accessibility, and provide modern HVAC systems with climate controls and HEPA filtration. The site plan includes a new turf playfield west of the school building.
View new school design information and more details.
See photos of existing site conditions below.
Pacific Middle School's Lead Custodian Carlos Guardado demonstrates how he has to hook up a hose to a pump that drains water from beneath the building when it rains a lot. The hose drains into a sink in office space adjacent to the library.
A problem area where water gathers and runs under the building.
Rust seeping through paint.
Evidence of a stain from a leak in a previously patched ceiling area.
Pacific students exit the courtyard breezeway to access portable classrooms.
"Mr. Carlos" the custodian gestures at the aging wood platform and stairs leading to the portable classrooms.
A new Pacific family demonstrates that the front office location (left) is easy to confuse with the entrance on the right..
The main office is crowded and poorly planned, with poor sight lines to the exterior or interior of the school. The only access to the rest of the school is through an area of work spaces and offices.
Pacific office door being opened by staff member from inside to talk to students.
The staff member uses her security badge to open the side entrance to the school for students to get back in.
Library set up classroom style with a variety of old desks and chairs due to space needs.
A busy hallway cuts between the food service area and the cafeteria, causing traffic jams.
A warren of quickly remodeled classrooms was created in this area of the school.
Aging floor tiles show wear.
Space used as a counseling office, with exposed pipes and aging heater, no windows.
Low chain link gate is open for students to access portable classrooms; discolored windows in main building.
For information about Proposition 1: Highline Schools Bond on local ballots for the November 8 Election, please visit highlineschools.org/bond.