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Facilities Committee
The Wenatchee School District's Long Range Facilities Planning Committee is responsible for identifying and planning upgraded school facilities while promoting a thriving community through collaboration with its members. The committee is committed to data-driven decision-making and conducts its affairs in a businesslike manner, aiming to achieve specific objectives and goals. It comprises representatives from various stakeholder groups who are willing to assist the district in delivering quality facilities that support the promise of providing an excellent education to students.
All meetings will take place 6:00-7:30 PM at the District Office (235 Sunset Ave.) unless otherwise noted
- March 27, 2024
- April 19, 2024
- October 19, 2024
- January 15, 2025 - Wenatchee High School (1101 Millerdale Ave.)
- March 12, 2025
- April 23, 2025
- May 28, 2025
- June 24, 2025 - School Board Meeting
March 27, 2024 Meeting
Power Point Presentation
April 16, 2024 Meeting
Agenda
Presentation
October 9, 2024 Meeting
Presentation
M&O Repair List
Preliminary Facilities Survey Findings
January 15, 2025
Agenda
Packet
WHS Functional Adequacy
WHS Physical Condition
April 23, 2025
Summary of Priorities
Cost Estimates
May 28, 2025
Agenda
Construction Costs
Cost Options
The study and survey process for school districts in Washington state is a way to assess the condition of school facilities and develop a long-range plan for the district. The process is part of the School Construction Assistance Program (SCAP).
Steps
1. Apply for a grant
The district submits a Study and Survey Application (Form D-1) to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).
2. Receive a grant award
If approved, OSPI issues a Planning Grant Award (Form D-2).
3. Conduct the study and survey
The superintendent of public instruction and the local school district work together to conduct the study and survey.
4. Develop a long-range plan
The district develops a plan that includes projected facility needs and priorities.
What's included in the study and survey?
- Inventory and area analysis: The condition of existing facilities, including square footage and building condition assessments
- Demographic data: Population projections, economic growth, and development
- Projected enrollment: Enrollment based on the most recent October enrollments
- Seismic site class information: Information to calculate the seismic risk of each instructional building
- The study and survey process helps school districts: Assess long-term facility needs, Mitigate natural hazard risks, Anticipate the needs of the district, and Provide the necessary facilities to meet those needs.
The district contacted with consultants from Turner Townsend and Heery to conduct a facilities survey to understand perceptions, identify concerns, and address critical issues as the district continues evaluates facilities plans. The data collected through the survey will be used by the long-range facilities planning committee to use as the work toward developing a plan to propose to the school board and by the district as we work toward making improvements in facilities and operations.
Methodology: The study, conducted by Critical Data Strategies, involved interviews across three groups:
- community leaders (phone/ 1x1 meetings)
- parents/guardians (online)
- community residents (online)
Timing: The study was conducted between September and October 2024 by Critical Data a Spokane based firm.
Our Long-Range Facilities Planning Committee, a diverse group of community members, has spent 15 months rigorously analyzing our school building needs, and their data-driven consensus is clear: we must invest in our infrastructure for the benefit of all students and our entire community. This isn't about luxury; it's about necessity, addressing critical issues like aging HVAC systems causing costly emergency repairs and a high school building that is worn out, with critical systems having reached their end of life and no longer able to be repaired. By acting now, we can leverage approximately $79 million in state matching funds, significantly reducing the local taxpayer contribution for these vital projects. While we anticipate overall student enrollment to decrease in the coming years, it doesn't solve current overcrowding in key schools. This fiscally responsible plan, focusing on immediate needs and securing substantial state aid, ensures every tax dollar is maximized to provide safe, effective, and future-ready learning environments, ultimately protecting the value of our homes and the strength of our community for generations to come.
Board Accepts Committee Recommendation, Targets November 2026 for Facilities Bond
After 15 months of comprehensive study, the Wenatchee School District is moving forward with plans to ask voters to address aging school facilities. At its November 12, 2025 meeting, the Board of Directors accepted the Long-Range Facilities Planning Committee's recommendation and established November 3, 2026 as the target date for a capital bond measure.
The Facility Challenge
The 30-member community committee, which included parents, staff, business leaders, and community members, studied district facilities and independent assessment reports documenting significant infrastructure challenges:
- Wenatchee High School: Built in 1972, the building received a "Poor" physical condition rating with major systems—heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical—operating 30+ years beyond their designed lifespan
- Seven Other Buildings: Aging HVAC systems requiring replacement to maintain safe, functional learning environments
What Voters Would Decide
If the bond moves forward and is approved by voters, it would fund:
- Construction of a new Wenatchee High School to replace the failing 52-year-old facility
- Replacement of HVAC systems at seven additional school buildings
The committee studied renovation alternatives but recommended new construction for the high school based on cost-effectiveness, educational functionality, and long-term value.
Flexible Timeline
While November 3, 2026 is the target date, the board maintains flexibility. A formal resolution must be passed by August 2026 to place the measure on the ballot, allowing time to monitor legislative changes, community feedback, and other ballot considerations.
"Establishing a target date allows us to begin community engagement and planning while maintaining the ability to adjust our approach if circumstances change," said Superintendent Kory Kalahar.
Your Voice in the Design
The district will host public engagement sessions this spring focused on design priorities for a new high school. Community input will help shape what the facility includes and how it serves students for the next 50+ years. Details on engagement opportunities will be announced in the coming months.
This site provides information using PDF, visit this link to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC software.