Study & Survey

As part of our 20 year Capital Facilities Plan, Evergreen Public Schools recently completed a comprehensive review of the district's facilities called a Study & Survey.  Funded by the state of Washington, the Study & Survey provides an objective analysis of the physical aspects of every building in the district.  Key elements of the Study & Survey include a thorough review of the district's education plan, enrollment projections, an evaluation of existing facilities, a measure of the district's financial capabilities, and a long-range plan to achieve these goals.  

After assessing our long-term facility and educational needs Evergreen Public Schools is placing a Capital Needs Bond on the ballot for a May 20, mail-in election. 

Projects selected for the 2008 Capital Needs Bond were based on findings from the Study & Survey, evaluation of the work accomplished with the 2002 bond, and feedback from professional building consultants and the public. Following are highlights of what we found during the Study & Survey: 
 

Educational upgrades, such as additional classrooms for full day kindergarten, secondary science lab improvements, lighting upgrades in elementary school classrooms, musical instrument replacement, educational technology and other improvements to enhance learning were identified.
 

Demographic data, population projections, and projected economic growth are used to forecast growth within the district.  In the six years since approval of the 2002 bond, our district grew by 2,800 students.  In the next six years, we are projected to grow by an additional 1,200 students.  Because of the recently adopted expansion of the Urban Growth Area, most growth will occur at the northeast end of the district.
 

To address growth and reduce average school enrollment, we determined the need for a new middle school, a new elementary school, a Health and BioSciences Academy, a new building site, portable classrooms, and consolidation of maintenance and warehouse services.
 

Capital renewal projects are characterized by the replacement of components that are beyond their useful life, code upgrades, and other compliance issues.  Major system deficiencies found in the Study & Survey are a continuation of the work completed in the 2002 Capital Needs Bond and include replacing roofs, repairing or replacing defective heating and cooling systems, repairing playgrounds and parking lots, implementing energy management upgrades, and refurbishing or replacing building finishes.
 

Replacement

All materials, structures and equipment, regardless of the type of service they render, are subject to damage and deterioration.  A cost/benefit analysis was used to determine whether to modernize or replace some of our older facilities that no longer meet current education needs or state building code.  Replacement of Sifton, Marrion, and Image Elementary schools would improve efficiency, provide better site utilization, and increase capacity for students.