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Highline Public Schools
15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW Burien, WA 98166

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Highline Public Schools
15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW Burien, WA 98166

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Sylvester Middle School

Sylvester Middle School Replacement: $180.3M

Sylvester Middle School was built in 1953 and has an overall building condition score of 49%, with many building systems at the end of their useful life. The campus includes seven separate buildings connected by outdoor walkways, which does not align with today’s school design standards for a single, controlled entry. This older, open-campus design increases the risk for emergency repairs and potential school closures.

This page provides information about a project recommended by CFAC to replace Sylvester Middle School. The school board will ultimately decide whether to include it in a future bond measure.

Three young women are sitting at a table in what appears to be a classroom or art studio. The table is cluttered with various art supplies and materials, and the background includes shelves, cabinets, and other equipment typical of an educational or creative workspace.

Current Conditions at Sylvester Middle School

  • Built in 1953, Sylvester has an overall building condition score of 49%. Many building systems are at the end of their useful life. 
  • The campus includes seven separate buildings connected by outdoor walkways.  
  • Years Built: 1953 (4 buildings), 1969 (3 buildings)   
  • This layout does not align with today’s school design standards for a single, controlled entry. 
  • Increasing risk for emergency repairs. 

Site Considerations

  • Members of the community-led Capital Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC) explored the possibility of replacing Sylvester at the larger Manhattan/Woodside site.
  • Architects estimated that option would cost nearly $44 million more than rebuilding at the current site.
  • CFAC reached consensus on replacing Sylvester at the existing site, based on the recently upgraded track and field and the feasible, less expensive conceptual site plan.

Timeline 

If the board decides to place the Sylvester project on the November 2026 ballot, here is a summary of the timeline:  

  • November 2026: Bond measure goes to voters (requires 60% approval). 
  • Early 2027: Design committee convenes and begins an approximately 18- to 22-month design process.  
  • Summer 2028: Design process continues concurrently as permitting begins. 
  • Summer 2029:  
    • School moves to the Olympic Interim Site, 615 South 200th Street, Des Moines. 
    • Demolition and construction begin.  
  • Fall 2031: Sylvester opens 

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