Shaw Island board advances teacher housing project, approves professional oversight

The Shaw Island School District board moved forward on its teacher housing project on Nov. 18, 2025, after discussing contractor selection, fundraising options and professional oversight.

Superintendent Becky Bell told directors the district had chosen Swal'lech Construction as the contractor for the three‑bedroom teacher house and that the finance committee estimated about $270,000 would be needed beyond the district's current $200,000 investment to complete the project. The committee discussed alternatives including a voter‑approved bond, a non‑voter bond, a levy, loans and grant pursuits. The board noted that a voter bond would require community outreach and planning in advance of any election.

Board members also reviewed a proposal from PBW Architects for construction oversight. The proposal described ten hours per month of construction oversight not to exceed $32,000 and two hours per month of financial review not to exceed $8,000. Director Jon Shannon moved to approve the PBW proposal; Director Carol Criss seconded and the motion carried unanimously. The board recorded consensus that professional oversight was appropriate and anticipated in project planning.

Directors discussed site logistics including trenching and electrical work: district staff will contract directly with an excavator and cover trenching costs, while OPALCO provided an estimate for the main electrical line to the meter and the district would be responsible for costs from the meter to the house site. Directors also considered a ground‑breaking ceremony and signage once Swal'lech is ready to proceed.

Next steps noted by the board include pursuing identified funding options, presenting PBW's construction oversight proposal as approved, and continuing outreach to community funders such as the Orcas Island Community Foundation. No final financing decision was made at the meeting.