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Everett council postpones $10 million ARPA roof vote for Old Everett High School pending detailed plan
Summary
After a presentation from Superintendent William Hart on district overcrowding and a plan to use the former Everett High School for a 7th–8th grade academy, the City Council voted 7–4 to postpone a $10 million ARPA appropriation for a roof replacement until the administration provides a detailed renovation and financing plan.
The Everett City Council on a 7–4 vote postponed consideration of a $10 million request from American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds to replace the roof at the former Everett High School, asking the superintendent and administration to return with a full renovation cost estimate and bonding authorization.
Superintendent William Hart told the council he needs roughly 40 classrooms — enough space for about 1,100 seventh- and eighth-grade students — and said the former Everett High School can provide about 182,000 square feet of usable space. "We have the techniques, we have the talent, we need the space," Hart said, urging that the roof be repaired to preserve the asset as an option for relieving overcrowding.
The postponement followed extended questioning from councilors about safety, cost and scope. Hart said $10 million is expected to cover a roof replacement but that full renovation costs for the building are likely "north of $50,000,000," and that additional funding sources or bonding would be required. Eric Demas, the city CFO, said the $10 million ask was "predominantly... just for the roof" and that language in the order allowed some flexibility if the roof contract came in under budget.
Council members who voted to postpone said they wanted a written, itemized renovation and financing plan before committing ARPA funds. Councilor Smith, who supported postponement, argued that approving piecemeal expenditures could leave the city exposed to much larger future borrowing. Councilors who opposed postponement said waiting could delay work that protects existing occupants and community services in the building.
The council also discussed cohabitation concerns: the building currently houses preschool programs, a wellness center and the Elliott Family Resource Center. Hart said those uses could be retained where possible and that access and circulation could be secured to keep young children separate from older students during the school day.
The council referred related items (a school-space resolution and a request for a Pope John update) back to their sponsors for additional work and set a follow-up meeting after the superintendent and administration supply the requested bonding authorization and renovation detail.
