# Regular Board Meeting - Sept 17, 2026

The Orting School District regular board meeting on September 17, 2026, included updates on planned school construction and food-service purchasing. Facilities staff reported that the new elementary-school project, targeted to open in 2028, had submitted its land-use application and received architectural design review approval. The high-school project remains tentatively targeted for 2029; staff are incorporating planning-commission feedback before a later application. The district is also evaluating how to classify existing buildings to maximize state matching funds for current and future capital projects. No construction contract awards, bids, or project dollar amounts were presented. Nutrition Services described its ongoing shift toward scratch cooking and local food purchases, including beef from Fried Idea Farms and locally sourced ingredients. The presentation noted prior board investment in kitchen equipment, but no new spending authorization was requested.

The superintendent reported that insurance costs had risen from $530,000 in 2022–23 to nearly $1.4 million this year, a 161% increase, while state materials-and-supplies funding had increased about 12% (approximately $140,000 this year); further budget reductions may be needed if revenue does not keep pace. Nutrition Services also reported approval to provide free meals at qualifying elementary schools for four years under Provision 2. The board heard public concerns about special-education staffing and nursing arrangements, and received academic and strategic-plan updates. Five consent-agenda items were introduced for a motion, but the transcript ends before any vote or outcome is recorded.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Education, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 18, 2026

### Sources
- [Regular Board Meeting - Sept 17, 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcNaqREtQuw) - Orting School District