Community-led CFAC Creates Roadmap to 2026
Last week, members of Highline's community-led Capital Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC) began a two-year process to recommend the next school construction bond. By February 2026, they aim to reach consensus on which capital projects and what dollar amount to recommend to the school board.
This timeline is intended to allow the school board to review the bond package and decide whether to place a bond on the November 2026 general election ballot.
Meeting Summary
The meeting began with the election of co-chairs. Members re-elected Shane Stender as co-chair of the committee. Co-chair Omaha Sternberg was re-elected last year. Co-chairs serve two-year terms on a rotating basis.
"This advisory committee process is a real model of success in how positive things happen when school districts work closely with their communities," Shane said.
Members also elected Mount Rainier High School student Ana Croasdiale-Vasquez as the student co-chair. She has served as the MRHS student representative on CFAC for two years.
"I've been on CFAC for a bit, and I understand how this process works, so I think I would be a good fit and could keep my commitment," Ana said. "I can advocate for others and put their voices forward because student voice matters, too."
Chief Communications Officer Tove Tupper invited CFAC members to sign a statement of commitment agreeing "to put the best interests of all district students above my self-interest and city, service area or school loyalties."
Superintendent Ivan Duran addressed CFAC members, thanking them for showing up for our students, our families and our community. "Here in Washington, we still rely on local voters and taxpayers to fund capital projects, so we are deeply appreciative of all the work you are doing," he said.
He gave a shout-out to Jackie Bryan, chief financial officer, and Ellie Daneshnia, executive director of capital planning and construction, and their finance and capital teams. "They go above and beyond to think how we can be innovative, save funds, and respond effectively to unexpected challenges."
School board members Azeb Hagos and Melissa Petrini attended the meeting to listen. Director Hagos is a board liaison to the committee.
Capital Projects Update
Jackie and Ellie provided updates and progress photos of completed and ongoing capital projects:
- Renovation of the Original Beverly Park Site in response to a fire this summer at the Southern Heights Site.
- The fire displaced Highline Virtual Academy and Innovation Heights Academy after one year at Southern Heights.
- The emergency renovation enabled the two schools to open on time in September, and staff members have expressed gratitude for the rapid response.
- Some work will continue during non-school hours through January.
- Evergreen High School — under construction
- Repair of water damage from vandalism at the new Evergreen High School project is ongoing.
- Progress update on other areas of the new school.
- Status: on budget and on time to open fall 2025.
- Tyee High School — under construction
- Progress update
- Status: on budget and on time to open fall 2025.
- Pacific Middle School — preconstruction & permitting
- Progress update
- City of Des Moines design and land use reviews are underway.
- Status: on budget and on time to open fall 2027.
- Transportation Building — preconstruction & permitting
- A permanent modular building will replace the World War 2 era building used as a bus driver lounge and office. Dispatch staff will move to the new building also.
- The new building will be located in a current parking lot, so parking adjustments will be part of the plan.
- Valley View Early Learning Center Addition — preconstruction & permitting
- Funding includes a $776,640 grant from Department of Commerce, Early Learning Facilities, to expand capacity for ECEAP preschool by 108 seats (a.m./p.m.).
- A permanent, modular building containing 3 classrooms with restrooms, plus ADA ramp improvements, is expected to open fall 2025.
- Sylvester Field/Track, Mini Pitch & Restroom — completed
- Memorial Field Synthetic Turf Replacement — completed
- Security Intercom Door Cameras — completed
- Summer Roofing Projects — completed
- Hilltop ADA Access Improvements — completed
Committee members asked questions about the current projects.
Small Groups Brainstorm Key Factors to Consider in Future Planning
CFAC members worked in small groups to discuss the information and key factors in determining a bond package recommendation. Groups came up with various factors to consider. Members plan to review this list in the future. The order of the list below is alphabetical, incomplete and represents the results of this brainstorming activity.
- Accurate communication with community/voters: cost and length of bond
- Building conditions and age
- Capacity
- Construction timelines
- Cost and budget
- Effective use of space and land
- Enrollment projections
- Equity across schools, communities, district
- Historical value
- Innovative learning settings to save taxpayer costs: community partnerships and facility use
- Levels of renovation vs. replacement and clear messaging
- Number of students impacted
- Review of prior work
- Safety risk
- School demographics
- Security improvements across all schools, e.g. fencing, cameras
- Solid information about CHOICE Academy and Big Picture Schools
- Space for community partners
- Student population and size
- Student voice and experience
- Tax assessment
- Upcoming residential density
- Voter perspective on needs
Next Meeting
The next CFAC meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 24 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Highline's central office, 15675 Ambaum Boulevard in Burien.
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