Student Voice Takes Center Stage in Planning the Future of Wenatchee High School

What should a 21st-century high school look like? How many classrooms does it need? What kind of spaces help students learn best?

These aren't questions for adults to answer alone. They're questions for students—the experts on their own learning environments.

That's why Wenatchee School District's Superintendent's Advisory Council (SAC) spent an afternoon this week touring WestSide High School and meeting with Teater Crocker Educational Specifications consultants to share their insights on the future Wenatchee High School.

Learning from WestSide's Modern Design

The SAC tour began at WestSide High School, where students saw what modern, flexible learning spaces can offer: natural light through large windows, flexible classrooms, modern technology infrastructure, and collaborative spaces that support different learning styles.
 

While WestSide has existed since 1985, it spent decades in temporary or aging facilities before moving to its current permanent home. The school district traded properties with Wenatchee Valley College, acquiring the old WVC Arts and Music building (formerly the Eagles Lodge). This building was extensively renovated in 2013 to create the modern, permanent campus WestSide uses today

Students noticed the difference immediately—classrooms with windows, acoustic walls that actually block sound, gathering spaces to connect with peers, and spaces designed for how teachers teach and students learn today.
 

Students as Experts

After the tour, SAC members met with Teater Crocker consultants to discuss the type, size, location, classrooms, athletic facilities, and other spaces for a new Wenatchee High School.

Students shared perspectives on:

• Classroom, library, auditorium and music spaces
• Bathrooms and locker rooms
• Collaboration and informal learning spaces
• Athletic and extracurricular facilities
• Safety, accessibility, and welcoming design
• Career and technical education spaces

"Students are in the building every single day," said Superintendent Kory Kalahar. "They know what works, what doesn't, and what they need to be successful. Their input isn't just valuable—it's essential. We're not building a high school for students; we're building it with them ."

The Beginning of Broader Engagement

The SAC meeting kicks off several days where Teater Crocker consultants will meet with students and staff at WHS who will all share their perspectives as daily building occupants.
 

Community Input Coming Soon

While these initial sessions focus on students and staff, the broader community will have opportunities to provide input in the months ahead.
 

"This is just the beginning," Kalahar said. "We'll be offering public tours, community input sessions, and design feedback opportunities throughout the spring and summer. This is a community project, and we want to hear from families, taxpayers, alumni, and community members about what they envision for the future of Wenatchee High School."

Why This Matters

Educational specifications—or "ed specs"—are detailed documents outlining what a school needs to function effectively. They guide architects in designing a building that truly serves students, staff, and community for the next 50+ years.

As SAC students left their meeting, the energy was clear: they'd been heard, their ideas mattered, and they were helping shape the future of their school.

The November 2026 bond will determine whether that vision becomes reality. But one thing is already clear: when it comes to planning the future of Wenatchee High School, student voice isn't just welcome—it's leading the way.