Board hears capital projects update; TriTech modernization out for bid

Kennewick School District staff gave the board a detailed update on the status of the district—s capital projects fund, reporting on planned maintenance, state grant eligibility and the TriTech modernization project now out for bid.

District presenters outlined how capital projects are funded, described the School Construction Assistance Program (SCAP) eligibility rules and explained current limits on general-fund spending for capital items. Staff said SCAP calculations depend on building age (30-year threshold), square footage and local assessed value; as of the update the district did not qualify for SCAP funding.

The TriTech modernization was a central topic. Staff said the state grant-driven project is out for advertisement, with a pre-bid walk scheduled and a bid opening set for March 13, 2025. TriTech expenses are budgeted across fiscal years; staff presented a three-year revenue and expenditure forecast showing an estimated $8.5 million in state reimbursement in the current year and larger budget lines in subsequent years tied to construction timing.

Other capital items discussed included asphalt preservation (a recent district contract for asphalt maintenance came in at $738,000), parking-lot work at Lampson (staff said an overlay is planned for the main lot; full demo and repave is a higher-cost option), improvements to a secondary lot formerly used for portables, and scoreboard replacements for several athletic sites. Staff noted the district is now using an RFP process to solicit sponsors for reader boards and scoreboards and said sponsorship is an option to offset costs.

Presenters reviewed the district—s capital funding sources (bonds, technology levies, investment income and occasional transfers from the general fund) and reminded the board the next EP&O and technology levies are up for renewal in 2026. Staff advised that many capital funding rules derive from state statute and OSPI policy guidance and that local assessed value affects SCAP calculations.

Board members asked technical questions about TriTech cash flow (timing of upfront contractor costs versus state reimbursements), Lampson parking use and whether sponsorships could be applied retroactively. Staff said state reimbursements for TriTech have been processed promptly to date and that sponsorship options will be explored consistent with procurement rules.

Staff said the facilities executive committee will reconvene in spring to reassess building conditions and potential SCAP eligibility if enrollment or building age metrics change. No formal action or vote was taken on capital projects at the meeting.

The district plans follow-up briefings as TriTech bids are returned and as the facilities committee completes its spring review.