Advisory committee backs rebuilding Forks Middle School; board told November bond timing matters

Jay Hansen provided the board with a predesign update for Forks Middle School based on an advisory-committee process and community survey. He said survey responses showed strong support for rebuilding rather than renovating and emphasized safety features such as a single secure entrance and a connected campus.

Hansen said community feedback emphasized cost sensitivity and long-term durability: "We're thinking about 2090," he noted, and he said timing matters — placing a bond on the November ballot could secure an additional roughly $4 million in state funding (he described $21 million State share versus $17 million if later). Hansen showed a conceptual U-shaped design with athletics on the south side, a single prominent entrance and flexible classroom pods, and outlined next steps (SEPA review, educational specifications and continued community input).

Board members thanked the committee and noted the process will continue through design phases; Hansen said this was an advisory process and that more formal design work would follow if the bond measure moves forward.