Operations update: capital projects, safety upgrades, transportation changes and Welcome Center ribbon-cutting announced

District operations leaders briefed the Bellevue School District Board of Directors on Sept. 18 about capital projects, safety and security upgrades, nutrition and technology preparations, transportation routing changes and the official Welcome Center launch.

Facilities and capital projects: Jack McLeod, executive director of facilities operations, reported that phase 3 of the Newport High School project is complete and that the final phase is in progress. He said work is underway on adding 40,000 square feet at the Big Picture program site (the former Eastgate campus), design work is in progress on an international school replacement and a master plan for an Interlake addition is planned over the next two years funded by the 2020 bond. McLeod said the district purchased two parcels south of the transition building and is developing a transition sensory garden. He also described maintenance work over the summer — deep cleaning, refurbishing science and PE kits, gym-floor refinishing, storm cleanup and mandated inspections and tests for fire and elevator equipment.

Renewable energy and EV charging:…