Mukilteo Beacon Superintendent article – October 2024

Subject: Following through on promises

In 2020 just before the pandemic, Mukilteo School District was one of the few districts in Snohomish County to pass a Capital Bond. A bond requires a 60 percent supermajority to pass a measure, and we did so by about 50 votes. Because of the positive support from our community, we have been able to continue building, updating and maintaining our buildings for the benefit of all who attend our schools and use them after hours. Summer is a busy time for many projects since we have time to make rapid progress with students out of the buildings and with better weather, and this summer was no exception.

Here are some of the most recent project completions and updates from the 2020 Capital Bond. You’ll notice that several projects are “phase 1” of the entire replacement. One of the ways we kept our bond amount low is by approaching large replacement projects in stages. The second and final phase of those projects will depend on a future bond measure.

Security enhancements at all schools

Installation of video intercoms and door release buttons at each school continues, allowing the front office to speak to someone at the front door before letting them into the building. Most recently, full access control was completed at Kamiak High School, and we are in the process of refining the programming.

Several other security enhancements were already completed including the following:

• retrofitting and replacing perimeter gates at seven district schools to allow for better ingress and egress and enhance site security
• Installing intercom system at all schools allowing for standard emergency messaging 
• Replacing existing classroom door hardware at all schools with new hardware that allows a person to quickly lock and unlock the classroom door from the inside 

Mariner High School

Just before school began in September, the new construction area was completed. It includes a new library, student store, student commons, counseling offices, flex classrooms and a covered outdoor area. Over 200 people attended a ribbon cutting event and had a sneak peek at the new open spaces. Those spaces are being used daily now that school is in session and has given Mariner students the room they need to have places to eat lunch, gather as a school, and more!

Explorer Middle School Phase 1

Phase I of the Explorer Middle School replacement is underway and includes a new gym, auxiliary gym, fitness room and changing spaces. The new building will be approximately 21,400 square feet. The football field and track will be replaced with a synthetic turf field and rubberized track along with walkways, landscaping and utilities. This part of the project is scheduled to be complete in Fall 2025.

Mukilteo Elementary School Phase 1

The first phase began over the summer and includes a new building with 10 classrooms and support spaces, a play area, walkways, fire lane improvements and landscaping. As the construction crew dug out the foundation, they discovered the mammoth boulder pictured. See the boulder size compared to the diggers and their drivers! It had to be broken apart before it was movable. The Phase I work is expected to be complete in Fall 2025.

Serene Lake Elementary Phase 1

Phase I will begin this winter and includes construction of a new two-story classroom building, approximately 15,600 square feet, containing eight classrooms and support spaces. Site improvements to support the new facility will include a new water main, fire hydrants, connections to utilities such as sewer and storm water, walkways and landscaping. Building 200, containing classrooms, will be demolished at the end of the project.  The district anticipates completion in 2025.

Performing Arts Center

 Improvements to the district Performing Arts Center at Kamiak High School include lighting and AV system upgrades along with other theater-related systems and components, interior finish upgrades, upgraded signage, relocation of the existing sound station from the upper-level control booth to the main level, reconfiguration of seating to accommodate ADA patron locations, and replacement of finishes within the lobby and auditorium. Improvements to the stage will include new draperies, stage flooring, orchestra pit cover, and orchestra shell.

Budget questions? I am sometimes asked how we have been able to continue these projects while reducing the district budget including some staff positions. It is important to clarify that the capital budget is separate from the general budget. School districts cannot use money from a bond measure to fund general education costs and we must follow through on the projects presented to the public as part of the voter-approved ballot measure.

Want to see more? You can see more project information including architectural renderings, construction photos and project status updates on the new Capital Projects website. I am very proud of the work mentioned above and they have made an important difference in lives of students, staff and community users. Thank you, voters, for making these projects possible!