Facilities Task Force

Purpose:

To develop a prioritized list of potential facilities projects for a future bond measure to be presented to the Meridian community. Through grant funds provided by OSPI, Meridian School District hired King Architecture PLLC to complete a study and survey. This study identifies current and future facilities needs of the district. The survey and study was adopted by the School Board in April 2023. This prioritization will be accomplished by convening a Facilities Task Force with students, staff, families and community members to review the recommendation provided by King Architects and prioritize projects. The recommendation from the Facilities Task Force will be presented to the School Board in November 2023.

Basis for Establishment:

Review and prioritize the district’s facilities needs as outlined in the approved 2023 Long Range Study & Survey.
The Meridian School District strategic plan for 2023-28, Our Commitments, calls out Wellness as a core value. The value reads: Meridian creates an environment that supports staff and students’ physical, social and emotional well-being. Students in Meridian deserve to feel physically, emotionally and academically safe at school. One way to prioritize their safety is for students to learn in facilities that are safe and run efficiently. This means students will not be distracted by their environment, instead they will be able to better learn because of it.
Increased student enrollment, aging facilities and escalating capital costs require action to address the identified needs as outlined in the 2023 Long Range Study & Survey.

Plan of Work:

Review the findings that are outlined in the 2023 Long Range Study & Survey and prioritize facility projects based on bond capacity and individual school and district needs.
Utilize available data and enrollment projections to assist in prioritization of the district’s needs.
Identify preliminary cost models and the implications of cost escalation for delaying potential projects.
Ensure that prioritized facility projects align with the district’s vision and strategic plan.
Present recommendations to the School Board for action.

Meeting Dates:

Meetings will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Meridian Learning Center (Building F – 194 W. Laurel Road, Bellingham, WA).