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Meridian presents $70.6 million long-range plan to host Whatcom County Skills Center
Summary
Dr. Everett presented a long-range plan proposing Meridian host the Whatcom County skills center, estimating $70.6 million (escalated to 2031) and up to 16 programs serving an eventual 415 FTE; the plan seeks state capital funding and includes strong local partner support.
The Meridian School District presented a draft long-range plan for a Whatcom County Skills Center and the district’s intent to host the core campus. Dr. Everett described the plan prepared for the 2027–29 biennium and urged the board to support legislative capital funding for construction.
Key elements highlighted: the plan estimates a capital cost of approximately $70,600,000 if escalated to 2031; the proposed campus would offer up to 16 high-need programs (examples discussed include welding, allied health, EMS, aviation and early childhood education); the long-range timeline targets an early operational window beginning around 2031 if funded. Dr. Everett said the skills center could eventually serve roughly 768 head-count students, which translates to about 415 FTE after several years of ramp-up, and that funding for operating costs would follow students (FTE) to the center rather than be borne by a single district.
Dr. Everett emphasized that capital funding for state-recognized skill centers must come through the state capital budget (not local bonding or levies) and that the district must demonstrate program definitions, workforce demand and cost estimates to secure a place in the capital prioritization process. He noted that Meridian had once been ranked in the funding line for an earlier biennium but was not selected when other projects consumed the available appropriations. The long-range plan includes letters of support from local employers, higher education and economic-development partners, and a proposed interlocal agreement among county districts that would include a modest annual capital-support contribution (described in the presentation as $22,000 per year collectively to support minor capital needs), plus commitments to special-education supports.
Board members asked about timing; Dr. Everett said the capital request could be considered in the next biennial capital process and might receive funding in the 2026–27 or 2027–28 capital cycle. He framed the skills center as a regional workforce-investment strategy that would provide credentials, college credit, and direct pathways into local employers.
