Across the Federal Way School District, several schools are ramping up their construction projects.
Facilities:
The ground has been broken at the new facilities and maintenance center in an empty lot at the end of 332nd Street. The summer weeks will be spent clearing out the land. Already a 4,000-square-foot triangle section has been cleared out, and has power and water, to set up a new community garden headed by Mike Stanley. Construction of the new building is slated to begin in the fall. The Phase 1 grading contract was awarded to Lloyd Enterprises.
Lakeland Elementary:
The elementary school broke ground on June 3 at 35827 32nd Ave. S. The construction contract was awarded to Jody Miller Construction Inc. The fence is already up, and a delivery route has been established on the back side of the school. There is still some reconfiguring going on about what to do with the playground; part of it may need to be dug under for pipes. The district is working on contingency plans. The school is scheduled to open in the fall 2011.
Sunnycrest Elementary:
The school broke ground on June 10 at 24629 42nd Ave. S. in Kent. On June 29, the school held a surplus sale of old desks, cabinets, microwaves, fridges and other miscellaneous items. Construction crews are hard at work abating the building and getting it prepped for bulldozing. Abating removes all of the hazardous waste so that no toxins can go into the air during the demolition stage. Sunnycrest itself will be closed during the next school year. Students and staff will relocate to Manhattan Elementary School in the Highline School District.
The decision was made to relocate after the district found out that due to the soil, the only feasible place to build on the property was right where the old school stood. Teachers will be able to move into the Manhattan School on Aug. 5. There will be student registration at Manhattan the first part of August, as well as a trailer at Sunnycrest for parents to register students. A large sign is out front of the school for parents, with phone numbers to contact in case of any confusion. Bus routes have been figured out for next year. The district has worked with local daycares to make sure students have safe transportation access points.
Sunnycrest construction was awarded to Babbit Neuman Construction Company. The school will open, with a brand new building in the same location as the old, in the fall 2011.
Lakota:
The middle school is in the final stretch. The interior work is well on its way. At the old building, a surplus sale took place June 21, and demolition of the old site is under way. Furniture is expected to arrive on Aug. 2, then teachers and staff can move in after Aug. 6. The school will open this fall.
Panther Lake and Valhalla:
The elementary schools just finished their first year of occupancy, and during the summer months, some finishing touches will be applied and small changes made, based off of the first year.
Educational Service Center:
Permits are under way for the school’s new administration office. The district recently bought the existing building across the street from City Hall, 33325 8th Ave. S., and will move out of the overcrowded building off Pacific Highway South. Staff will be able to start tours of the building, which needs remodeling. Activity on the remodel will likely begin in January 2011 and the district could move in during winter 2011, according to Audrey Germanis, construction information coordinator.
