Council hears update on $2 million seismic planning grant and potential school land purchase

Council members discussed a state seismic grant and related school-site planning during the meeting, receiving updates on four district projects planned to relocate schools out of the tsunami inundation zone.

A council speaker reported the state awarded a seismic planning grant that provided $2,000,000 to plan rebuilding for four schools identified for relocation: Harbor Learning Center, Mother Junior High, Stevens and AJ West. The speaker said Harbor Learning Center is nearing phase 2 and that the district intends to locate a rebuilt HLC near Aberdeen High School on district-owned property at 5th and H Street.

The council member said the district plans to use voter-approved capital levy funds to purchase potential land for new sites. The purchase under review for one site was described in the meeting as about $2.8 million for roughly 105 acres; the speaker said the levy authorized collection of approximately $9,300,000 over the next four years for facility needs.

Council members asked what would happen to existing school buildings once new facilities are opened; the council member said the city superintendent would be asked and an update would be provided at a future meeting.

Separately, staff told the council the city expects roughly 100 new housing units or duplexes to be completed by the end of the year; staff showed Commissioner Rick Hall about 36 of the new units during a recent tour. The council also heard brief reports about a strategic planning session, a native-tree planting event and downtown cleanup efforts.

The discussion did not include council action to approve land purchases or levy expenditures; the remarks were an update and requests for follow-up information to be provided by the district and staff.

Council members said they will invite the superintendent to a future meeting to clarify the disposition of vacated school properties once new facilities are in use.