The Kennewick School District updated the board on capital projects, including a state-funded modernization for Tri-Tech skill center and an ongoing hydronic repair at Southridge High School.

Why it matters: Tri-Tech receives grant funding specifically for skill centers; progress, schedule and the handling of temporary campus logistics affect students’ CTE programming and a large portion of capital spending in the district.

Ryan Jones, the district’s capital projects manager, told the board that Sherman construction (Shermell in the transcript) has mobilized and that subcontractor engagement and early site assessment are intended to reduce change orders during the remodel. Jones said the district is focusing on establishing temporary campus locations and site logistics: students will use Fruitland and Columbia Basin College sites and portions of Tri‑Tech’s new addition during construction, with the district submitting costs for state reimbursement as invoices are incurred.

On Southridge High School, the district continues design work for a targeted hydronic (heating/cooling) repair in an area with complex ducting; staff said final construction documents and updated pricing were expected within weeks, and the district is reviewing legal and contract responsibilities before selecting a funding path. Other capital items discussed included planned summer paving for Lampson and Horse Heaven parking lots and a tech-levy-funded equipment schedule covering servers and classroom projectors.

Ending: District staff said Tri‑Tech reimbursements from the state have been timely and that contract work is advancing. The board asked for occasional updates and the capital manager said he would return with final drawings and cost estimates for the Southridge repair and continued schedule updates for Tri‑Tech.