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Commissioner recalls six-year path from hazardous-find shutdown to bond approval for new high school
Summary
Polly Vanderpooten recounted that tests several years ago found toxic chemicals that shut down the old high school, and credited leadership and community support that led to a bond passing with close to 75% approval to fund a new building.
Polly Vanderpooten said the old high school was closed six years ago after testing identified toxic chemicals at the facility, a discovery that forced the district to relocate students and plan a long-term solution. "At this time, six years ago, when they had started renovations, they found these toxic chemicals, and that is when the school was shut down," Vanderpooten said.
She credited the board chair and the superintendent for working with community partners to keep students in-person where possible and for shepherding the planning process that culminated in a bond election. Vanderpooten said roughly three-quarters of voters supported the bond: "close to 75% of the community who voted the day the bond was up for a vote to pass it," she said. Commissioners framed the bond vote as central to affording the new school and locking in construction rates.
