State denies grant request to modernize Wa-Hi science facility

Walla Walla Public Schools was informed its proposal for a $4 million STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Pilot Project grant from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to help modernize and expand Walla Walla High School's 53-year-old science classrooms and labs was not awarded.

“We received a large number of high quality proposals that demonstrated both incredible need and innovative facility plans linked to powerful learning opportunities for students,” said Dr. Andy Shouse, of Washington STEM. “After careful consideration, we regret to inform you that your proposal was not selected for this award.”

In its proposal, Walla Walla Public Schools demonstrated its current facilities are overcrowded, have poor ventilation, no air conditioning and lack the equipment and space necessary for today’s curriculum and learning demands. The proposal also stated the expansion would allow for increased STEM offerings schoolwide.

The 2015-2017 Washington State legislature established this pilot program and allocated $11,925,000 in grant funds. Districts were eligible if they lack sufficient space for science classrooms and labs to enable students to meet the class of 2019 graduation requirements of three science credits, two of which must be a science lab course. Walla Walla Public Schools would also have been able to leverage state matching funds to make additional improvements to the existing 1963/64 science building.

“It’s disappointing Wa-Hi presently does not have the required classroom and lab space to meet the new state graduation requirements for the Class of 2020, said Walla Walla High School Principal Pete Peterson, who headed the application process. “Science has been identified as a state and national priority and the current facilities do not support the standards and curriculum requirements to be successful.”

The district’s Community Facilities Task Force, co-chaired by local Business leader Paul Schneidmiller and Executive Director of Business Services Ted Cohan, continues to work on a long-range facilities improvement plan for the school district. Improved science facilities and equipment at Walla Walla High School remains one of the district’s top priorities.