Banks SD 13 board hears progress, timeline and cost trade-offs for new high school and related projects

Banks School District 13 on Aug. 18 reviewed progress on bond-funded projects, heard cost and schedule updates for the new high school and OX gym, and discussed permitting needs and access alternatives as design development advances.

Board Chair Hardt opened the hybrid work session and turned the presentation over to the district’s bond team. John, the team’s project lead, told the board the district completed hazardous-material abatement, installed a replacement boiler serving the cafeteria and gym, and took delivery of modular classroom units purchased from Saint Helens School District ‘‘for a dollar a piece.’’ John said permitting with the county is under way and that the team hopes to place portables for a holiday-break 2025 move-in. ‘‘We’re shooting to have those ready to move in at one of the holiday breaks,’’ John said.

Why it matters: the board’s review showed the district has narrowed the gap between earlier estimates and the target budget through value engineering but still faces choices about alternates and permit-driven conditions that could change cost and phasing.

John said the original high-school budget target was about $37.6 million and that an early…