7 27 26 Work Shop and Board Meeting

The Blaine School District, Washington, held a work session and board meeting on July 29, 2026. The main procurement and capital-planning discussion focused on a future middle school. Board members reviewed the preferred site plan (option five), student accommodation during construction, and possible Pipeline Road athletic-field improvements. Estimates discussed were about $47 million for the middle school, with escalation bringing the figure to roughly $52.3 million by 2030; broader bond scenarios including Pipeline work were higher and needed clarification. No bond proposal or project scope was approved. The board voted to table the item and hold a special meeting on August 10 at 6 p.m. to review refined estimates for the preferred school design and two Pipeline options. Members emphasized the need for reliable costs and clear project scope before asking voters to fund a bond.

The board also tabled a proposed Verizon tower lease pending clarification of the site boundaries and terms, with staff to bring back updated information in August. Transportation purchases discussed included two additional buses and a pending bus delivery; a large bus was estimated at $230,000–$240,000. Staff also considered purchasing or leasing a nine-passenger van estimated at about $85,000, with annual transportation service to Point Roberts estimated at about $30,000. The meeting included updates on active facility work, including a roof replacement and gym repairs, and grants supporting repairs and accessibility improvements. The district also reported receiving a five-year Drug-Free Communities grant of $125,000 per year. No other major contract award or purchasing approval was identified.