Bond Planners Test Prioritization Process
The Capital Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC) met on April 28 to continue its work prioritizing older school sites for potential upgrades or replacements through a future bond.
“We have to make strategic, data-driven decisions about how to invest in our school buildings,” said CFAC Co-chair Omaha Sternberg, “to maximize student impact, safety and long-term value for our community.”
CFAC Meeting Highlights
Members received an update on the status of the three bond projects approved in November 2022. All three projects – the new Evergreen, Tyee and Pacific schools – are currently on schedule and within budget.
The community-led group completed a practice session using eight hypothetical school sites. The session helped members apply a weighted scoring system to simulate how they might prioritize projects within a limited bond budget.
The criteria included:
- Equity & Student Impact
- Capacity & Growth Planning
- Health, Safety & Security
- Building Condition & Infrastructure
- Cost-effective & Long-term Solutions
- Financial Responsibility
- Feasibility & Timing
Working in six small groups, members scored each hypothetical project and compared their results. This allowed the group to see how projects ranked, and which combinations might fit within a projected bond amount.
While each group’s results varied, the three projects with the highest average priority rating and highest level of consensus were projects impacting the most students.
Members identified questions they need answered in a real scenario and reflected on how their understanding evolved during the process. Many noted they might score earlier sites differently after completing the full exercise.
Co-chairs emphasized that the practice scenarios included less detail than what will be available when evaluating Highline school sites. They also discussed complex decisions the committee will face, such as whether to modernize part of a school or consider a full replacement.
What’s Next?
CFAC’s goal is to reach a next-phase bond recommendation by spring 2026. This timeline gives the school board time to decide whether to place a bond on the November 2026 ballot.
At the next meeting, the committee plans to begin a deeper analysis of actual school site conditions and options across Highline. Members will also view sites in person next school year.
Next CFAC Meeting
The next CFAC meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 23 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the boardroom at Highline’s central office, 15675 Ambaum Blvd SW in Burien. The public is welcome to attend and observe.
