New Modern Learning Facilities Open on Time, on Budget
Staff at our new Evergreen and Tyee high school buildings welcomed students and families to next generation learning spaces this week. Students in all four service areas of Highline Public Schools now have access to a comprehensive high school in a modern learning facility. Both schools opened on time and are on budget.
Evergreen school leaders invited students and families to visit and get familiar with the new school building at the end of August. Tyee held Titan Day on September 2 for students and families. Both schools also hosted small ribbon cutting ceremonies on September 2. The following day, September 3, was the first day of school at the all-new Evergreen and Tyee campuses, constructed with funding from the voter-approved 2022 bond. See first day photos.
At the ribbon cutting ceremonies, speakers expressed gratitude for the support of Highline voters and the leadership of the Capital Facilities Advisory Committee, the Highline School Board, Highline's Capital Planning & Construction team and more.
Tyee Ribbon Cutting
At the Tyee ribbon cutting ceremony, students opened the event with the Highline Land Acknowledgement and a welcome from the ASB president and vice president. Principal Victoria Terry introduced other speakers, including SeaTac Mayor Mohamed Egal, Tyee counselor Jenn Truong, Highline Superintendent Ivan Duran, School Board President Joe Van and Board Member Damarys Espinoza, and Yes for Highline Co-chair Megan Gibbard. Friends of Tyee representatives led the countdown to cutting the ribbon.
"Beyond the shock and awe in the eyes of students and families," said Principal Victoria Terry, "this amazing building reflects a message from our Highline community that says, 'You matter, you belong. We are glad that you are here. We are so excited about your future!"
"It also says, 'We value public education, so we decided to invest in this modern state-of-the-art school that supports and promotes teaching and learning just for you.'"
Principal Terry and Dr. Duran acknowledged representatives of Integrus Architects, Absher Construction, and Vanir Construction Management for their roles in designing and building the new Tyee. Dr. Duran thanked representatives of King County, the City of SeaTac and local union and trades representatives for working together to implement a community workforce agreement that directed local bond dollars to local workers in high priority zip codes and more.
Evergreen Ribbon Cutting
In addition to Principal Joe Boyer, speakers at the Evergreen ribbon cutting ceremony included a student, a dual language family member, two staff members, School Board President Joe Van and Vice President Stephanie Tidwell, plus White Center CDA's Executive Director Aaron Garcia and former co-chair of Yes for Highline, Long Phan. Both Aaron and Long are EHS alumni.
A Hawaiian welcome was shared, as well as the Highline Land Acknowledgement. Speakers thanked representatives from Bassetti Architects, Cornerstone GCI, and Vanir Construction Management.
"This school represents an investment in our community, from our community," said Principal Joe Boyer. Principal Boyer, who was a member of the design review committee from the beginning, added, "Student, staff and community input were not just a part of the process, they were essential. Student, staff and community voices provided the blueprint for the vision that Bassetti delivered on. It is connected to the land around us."
"This school showcases what can happen when we all partner together in service of students," he said.
After receiving the 2022 bond approval results, Principal Boyer said, "When you show up in your workplace where 70 percent of your community voted to back you, to invest in you, it does feel a little different, you walk a little straighter and stand a little taller."
Save the Dates for Community Grand Opening Events
Tyee and Evergreen high schools will open their doors to the Highline community for open-house style events with self-guided tours in October:
Tyee High School's Community Grand Opening
- Tuesday, October 7, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Evergreen High School's Community Grand Opening
- Thursday, October 9, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
We will share more details and invitations in the coming weeks.