Board hears progress on Jackson and Madison replacements, Everett High auditorium modernization
Summary
Capital projects team updated the board on 2022 levy‑funded work: Jackson Elementary on‑site replacement is in phase 1 with major framing and seismic elements; Madison schematic design advances with a planned 2027 start; Everett High auditorium modernization will prioritize program spaces, mechanical upgrades and daylighting.
The Everett Public Schools capital projects team presented progress and plans for multiple projects funded by the 2022 capital levy, saying work is advancing on Jackson Elementary, Madison Elementary and the Everett High Auditorium Building.
Stephen Kraus reviewed Jackson Elementary’s on‑site replacement, showing photos of the classroom wing with metal stud framing nearing completion and a white continuous‑insulation system on the exterior. He said the project uses steel and concrete construction with 54 buckling‑resistant brace frames in 15 locations to improve seismic performance and described a phased schedule: move into the new phase this summer, demolish the old building, then construct the gym, stage and new parking.
Madison Elementary is in schematic design and is expected to be bid late in 2026 with construction beginning in 2027. Presenters highlighted a new main parking lot, a separate bus loop to reduce street congestion, a secure vestibule, and breakout teaching spaces designed to improve access and safety for families.
Matt Finch outlined the Everett High Auditorium Building modernization, emphasizing program upgrades (band and choir modernization, gallery and distributed commons to ease lunch congestion), and complete replacement of electrical, mechanical and fire‑alarm systems. The design team plans an atrium/skylight approach to bring natural daylight into currently dark basement spaces and to enclose an open campus courtyard for safety and supervision.
District staff also summarized recent levy work completed under the state Clean Buildings Act (boiler, heat recovery and HVAC upgrades at Gateway Middle, Jackson High, Evergreen Middle, Heatherwood) roof replacements at Penny Creek Elementary, new playground installation at Emerson, tennis‑court resurfacing, and districtwide lockset and keying upgrades. The team noted roughly $35,000,000 of remaining expenditures on Jackson Elementary and confirmed coordination with Little League and other community groups to preserve athletic field access during construction.
Why it matters: These capital projects are the primary use of funds approved by voters in 2022 and aim to modernize aging buildings, improve safety and energy efficiency, and reduce long‑term operating costs through better HVAC and envelope systems.
Ending: Board members thanked the capital projects team and asked follow‑up questions about phasing, traffic and field relocation; Darcy Walker confirmed community access to a relocated ball field. The board did not take action on these projects during the Jan. 13 presentation; staff will return with bid timelines and schematic updates at future meetings.
