Lake Washington School District’s (LWSD) new Long-Term Facilities Planning Task Force held its first meeting on Dec. 3. This group consists of 63 parent, community, business, senior citizen, staff and student representatives. They will study, analyze, and make recommendations concerning the district’s long-term facilities needs.

“We appreciate the interest and willingness of so many individuals to serve on the task force,” said LWSD Superintendent Dr. Traci Pierce. “We had about 280 applications from a broad, diverse representation of our communities.”

Lake Washington School District is one of the fastest-growing school districts in King County over the last two school years. Current enrollment stands at 26,615. It is projected to grow to close to 30,000 by 2021-22. Current classroom space in the district will not accommodate these growing numbers. In addition, the district must address some aging facilities. The district’s last three bond measures did not garner the 60 percent voter approval needed to pass.

During the first meeting, Pierce welcomed the group. She provided a district overview. School Board President Jackie Pendergrass thanked the task force members for their involvement. Deputy Superintendent for Operations Janene Fogard presented information and data on current capacity and enrollment. She also reviewed historical information related to the original modernization phases established in 1997. Fogard provided information on past bonds and levies and their outcomes.

In addition, a committee charter was finalized. A draft work plan for the Task Force and its working sub-committee of 26 members was shared. The work plan includes planned activities to engage the broader community throughout the process. The first such activity will be an online open house in January. That process will seek input on facilities planning needs as well as Task Force and sub-committee process and scope.

The materials presented at the meeting will be posted on a dedicated webpage on the school district’s web site. Those who are interested in following the task force’s work can sign up to receive email updates when additional information or reports are added to the page.