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Architect shows community‑oriented two‑story concept for Forks Middle School; emphasizes larger gym and preserved playground
Summary
The district's architect presented a conceptual two‑story design for a replacement Forks Middle School that reduces footprint while preserving outdoor play and a full‑size gym; staff said schematics will be shared publicly ahead of a bond vote eight months away.
The board received a schematic concept for a proposed Forks Middle School replacement that favors a two‑story U‑shaped design to preserve playground and parking while enlarging the gym and commons as a community asset.
Architect Jay showed committee charrette results that place classrooms, SPED, art and science clusters, a commons that can open into the gym and a two‑story configuration that reduces overall site footprint. He said the larger gym would be full‑size and WIAA regulation compliant to better serve school and community events.
Jay said committee participants worked in two teams to produce commonalities that informed a single conceptual site plan. He noted tradeoffs: a single‑story layout could provide contiguous square footage on one level but would likely eliminate a playground or reduce parking; the two‑story option preserves outdoor fields and on‑site parking but requires stairs/elevators.
Staff said the plan is schematic only, with a bond campaign about eight months away if the board chooses to proceed. Jay said the design materials will be posted publicly and the district will run surveys and community meetings so residents can see what they would be voting on.
Board members emphasized student safety and after‑hours community access; staff said they would follow up with public outreach and refine cost estimates during the design phase.
