Critical Needs
Critical Needs Budget: $50 million
This page provides information about a critical needs budget recommended by CFAC. The school board will ultimately decide whether to include it in a future bond measure.
Critical needs are major building repairs, system replacements and upgrades that schools need in order to stay safe, functional and in good working condition.
These are not cosmetic improvements. They include core systems like heating and ventilation, roofing, fire alarms, electrical systems and accessibility updates. Critical needs funding helps extend the life of existing school facilities.
Funding maintenance across Highline protects taxpayer investment and helps prevent system failures that can disrupt learning.
The critical needs fund would also pay to upgrade Highline Memorial Stadium with ADA accessibility improvements, including wheelchair access to the main grandstand and restrooms.
Which schools would benefit from the critical needs fund?
Every school will benefit. The critical needs fund would support required maintenance at schools and facilities districtwide. This fund also contains dollars that can be accessed if emergency repairs are required at a district facility.
Examples of school maintenance needs
Below is the list of critical needs project categories that apply across multiple schools and sites:
- Optimize building systems to improve operational efficiency and occupant comfort
- Improve hot water system reliability
- Replace and upgrade aging ventilation and heating equipment
- Upgrade fire alarm systems
- Upgrade and replace key kitchen equipment, including walk-in freezers and coolers
- Replace aging critical electrical infrastructure to reduce outage risk
- Repair and replace aging roofing systems
- Replace and modernize elevator equipment
- Repair deteriorating exterior wall systems
- Replace inefficient exterior windows
- Make site improvements