Capital Projects Update
Feb 7, 2025
Capital Projects Update
On Tuesday, June 27, 2023, the West Valley School District Board of Directors approved a resolution that directed District staff to move forward with several capital projects funded by a portion of the capital projects funds that were remaining from the elementary school construction projects. Capital projects approved in 2023 included new roofs at three elementary schools, boiler and chiller upgrades at three schools, expansion of the parking lot at Mountainview Elementary, high school track and field, and the remodel of some restrooms at our secondary schools.
The restroom remodel project has been placed on hold indefinitely to provide more time for the School Board to get additional information about the project and to discuss the project.
In Washington State, by law, the Capital Projects fund for a school district is separate from the General fund. Capital Projects funds can be spent only on capital projects. Capital Projects funds cannot be used for general school operations. Capital Projects funds are generated from a voter-approved bond issue, a capital projects levy, state matching funds, interest income, or a transfer of funds from the General fund.
The community of West Valley approved a bond in 2019 to construct Apple Valley and Summitview elementary schools. Due to favorable bids for the construction as well as an expedited construction schedule, there were bond funds and state matching funds remaining in the Capital Projects fund after the construction was completed.
The resolution that was approved on June 27, 2023 was the culmination of a year of deliberations, discussion, and community input regarding this issue. The restroom remodel project was considered throughout these deliberations.
In July 2022, the School Board heard a presentation regarding the process for defeasance which is how remaining funds can be used to decrease property taxes. Community forums were held during the school year to get input from the community. Community members provided a wide variety of comments and suggestions. Some community members said that all of the funds should be used for defeasance. Others said that some of the funds should be used for capital projects and some of the funds should be used for defeasance. Others said that all of the funds should be used for capital projects.
Community members had many suggestions for capital projects that should be considered. As the School Board listened to input and discussed information about priorities, Board members clarified that the focus for the resolution should be student health and safety as well as consideration for future growth (property acquisition).
Community forums were held on the following dates:
Tues, October 4, 2022 at the West Valley Fire Station
Tues, October 18, 2022 at the Harman Center
Mon, March 20, 2023 at the HS Auditorium
The resolution identified the following:
make various capital improvements throughout existing schools and facilities
acquire land as sites for new and expanded facilities
legally defease a portion of the District's outstanding funds
A public hearing on the resolution was held on the following date:
Tues, June 20, 2023 at the HS Library
To identify the list of projects for the resolution, the School Board deliberations were based on community input. The restroom remodel project was brought to the attention of the School Board by community members who had researched restroom designs from across the nation. The community members collected over 700 signatures of support. The project would remodel a portion of the restrooms at the high school, junior high, and middle school to become single-use restrooms. The entrance to the single-use restrooms would be monitored with cameras. A common area, open to the public, would be provided for hand-washing.
The restroom remodel project was community-driven, not initiated by the School District; however, School Board members considered the project and a community member provided a presentation to the Board of Directors during a School Board meeting on July 26, 2022 regarding the benefits of single-use restrooms.
To view the presentation from the July 26, 2022 School Board meeting, CLICK HERE
To view the “Frequently Asked Questions” document from the July 26, 2022 School Board meeting, CLICK HERE
After the School Board approved the resolution on June 27, 2023, the District moved forward with projects. Due to timing, ongoing planning, cost evaluations, and capacity for project management, the restroom remodel project only recently went out to bid. The bid process provides the District with updated cost projections for the project. It is important to note that soliciting bids or quotes does not commit the District to accepting the bids. The District gathers the bids, reviews the financials, and evaluates contracts and terms. Only after a thorough vetting process is the final proposal submitted to the School Board for approval.
Capital Projects, including the restroom remodel project, will be a discussion item on the agenda for the School Board meeting that is scheduled for Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 7:00 pm at the High School Library.
The West Valley School Board provides a live streaming option for the public to view the School Board discussion online as well as in-person. To access the live streaming link for each School Board meeting, CLICK HERE