Board votes to build new Wa-Hi science facility

Thursday, March 6: Today during a special school board meeting, the Walla Walla Public Schools Board of Directors voted 4 to 1 to place a $10.2 million bond on the April 22, 2014 Special Election to fund a new, stand alone, science building at Walla Walla High School. Director Dr. David Hampson voted against the measure.

This proposed project is $59.4 million less than last February’s proposal to modernize Walla Walla High School which generated a nearly 54 percent yes vote. This measure requires a 60 percent supermajority for approval.

No additional improvements would be made to the current Walla Walla High School at this time, per the proposal. The science building project would add 10 new science classrooms/labs. The new learning spaces would be 1500 sq. ft. each compared to the current 1000 sq. ft. classrooms/labs. The new science facility being proposed is 25,000 sq. ft. and would be located in the parking lot between the existing science and Career and Technical Education buildings. In addition to increased learning space, the improvements would feature modern science equipment, proper ventilation, shared teacher prep rooms and adequate science storage.

The cost for this proposal is an increase of .30 per $1,000 of assessed value. This project is not eligible for State Matching dollars. Should there be any excess funds, they would be returned to Walla Walla taxpayers by paying down the bond debt.

“This $10.2 million project will address the greatest need identified through community and school-based surveys,” said Superintendent Mick Miller. “Passage of this measure will meet the immediate need and give the district time to develop a more formalized plan for the rest of the Wa-Hi campus.”

Proposed Project Timeline

• Spring 2014: Design/Engineering

• Winter 2015: Contractor bids

• Spring 2015: Project begins

• Winter 2016: Project completed