KSD School Board Meeting: October 7, 2026

At its October 7, 2026 meeting, the Kennewick School District Board considered an initial contracting step for a potential 2027 bond program. Administration recommended negotiating with Design West, the highest-ranked firm among shortlisted architecture firms, to help define project scopes and costs. Board members discussed Design West’s $1.85 million settlement related to a Moses Lake school project and its potential effect on public confidence, while staff and a community architect described the firm’s district track record. The board voted unanimously to authorize negotiations with Design West; if a fair agreement cannot be reached, administration may proceed to the next-ranked firm. This authorizes negotiations, not a contract award. The district is working toward a possible February 9, 2027 bond measure and cited an opportunity to secure $61 million in state SCAP funding, with a one-year period to raise the required matching funds after notifying OSPI.

Other public comments raised concerns about safe, lighted marching-band practice space at Southridge and future bus capacity and student walking safety; board members requested follow-up, but no related spending decision was recorded. The board also received updates on a seven-year Gear Up grant supporting middle-school students’ college preparation, instructional programs, enrollment, and a parent app. No specific procurement action or expenditure was detailed for those updates.