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District details Skill Center renovation timetable and facility priorities; boilers, elevators targeted for 2025–26 work
Summary
District staff said a recently awarded $14.5 million state grant will fund a Skill Center renovation; construction contracting is in RFP, most work is expected in 2025–26; the district also proposed targeted facilities projects and a $500,000 transfer from the general fund for maintenance.
The Wenatchee School District reported that it has received a $14.5 million state grant to renovate and expand the district Skill Center and is moving into procurement and project scheduling.
Executive Director Sean Fitzgerald said the district has selected CLAS H Group (planning/selection referenced) and is issuing RFPs for architect and contractor this month; he said no construction has started yet and the district budgeted the bulk of grant expenditures for 2025–26 based on expected construction timing. Fitzgerald emphasized the district will "stay strictly within the grant" for the Skill Center work.
Beyond the Skill Center, the administration proposed a one-time $500,000 transfer from the general fund to the capital projects fund to address high-priority maintenance and compliance needs. Proposed 2025–26 projects included boiler and control replacements at Foothills and a replacement elevator at the district office; Fitzgerald said older elevators and control systems lack replacement parts and could create ADA compliance problems if they fail. The administration also noted that energy audits initially budgeted for pass-through reimbursement were instead funded by the local PUD, lowering district expenditures in 2024–25.
Board members asked whether selling or renting the Valley Academy building would route proceeds to the capital fund; staff replied that property sales would go to the capital fund while rental income would be recorded in the general fund. Trustees also discussed the timeline for Clean Energy Act compliance, with fines beginning for buildings over 50,000 square feet in 2026–27; the district said it is sequencing boiler and HVAC work to avoid fines and spread costs.
Ending: District staff said they will return with contractor and architect recommendations, a finalized construction timeline and any required reappropriation if projects extend into 2026–27.
