District studies preschool options

District studies preschool options
Bulging elementary enrollment figures the past few years are pushing the district to capacity at all Walla Walla grade schools.

The district is studying an option to offer relief through the construction of a new preschool facility at the northeast corner of the Blue Ridge Elementary grounds. This would free up space for Blue Ridge to offer another section of classes for K-5 students. Facilities Support Director Dan Johnson provided a progress report of preliminary designs and costs during last nights school board public work session.

The district is considering a 17,000 square feet modular structure which would include 12 classrooms, a multipurpose room and office space for staff. The cost for the project is estimated at just under $3 million.

The district has funding options, but no decisions have been made at this time. The district could opt for non-voted debt by borrowing the money and paying it back over time. The district could also propose a capital levy or bond to Walla Walla voters to fund the project. School board members also asked the district to research options for paying for part of the project with district reserves. If funding is secured, Johnson estimated construction would take at least six months.