Construction Updates

Thank you, voters! Your 2016 School Construction Bond dollars at work

Oct. 2021

Lake Stevens High School
Phase III construction of the modernization and expansion of Lake Stevens High School is nearing completion. The third phase is broken into three stages, and the first two stages were finished in time for the return of students this September.

New athletic championship banners were installed in the new Lake Stevens High School gymnasium to commemorate the Viking’s long-standing legacy.

In phase III B, the former 200, 300 and the center portion of the 100 buildings were modernized. These spaces are now called Northwest, Northeast and North Halls, respectively. They were part of the original school construction that opened in 1979. Classrooms in these buildings received new paint, carpet, ceiling tiles, projectors, classroom audio, student and teacher furniture, white boards, lights, and sinks. Old cabinetry was removed. Fume hoods and lab stations were also removed from old science classrooms. Student and teacher desks and other furniture were also replaced.

Phase III C gave similar treatments to the 1995 additions to North, Northwest and Northeast halls. These building areas were in relatively good condition. However, the goal of the high school project was to modernize all teaching and learning spaces. They also received new paint, carpet and ceiling tiles, classroom audio and new projectors, lights and furniture.

Installation of new perimeter fencing with electronically-locking gates for safety and security is nearly complete. New signage has also been installed throughout the campus for wayfinding and branding.

New perimeter fencing with electronically-locking gates for safety and security was installed on the Lake Stevens High School campus.

New signage was installed throughout the Lake Stevens High School campus for wayfinding and branding.

The high school tennis courts, which were used for construction parking throughout the project, were also refurbished and are now Viking Purple.

Lake Stevens High School’s tennis courts, which were used for construction parking throughout the project, were refurbished and are now Viking Purple—just in time for the fall tennis season.

Modular Classrooms at Glenwood and Skyline Elementary Schools
Ten modular classrooms are being installed on the campuses of Glenwood and Skyline Elementary Schools. These classrooms are Smart Academic Green Environments (SAGE) modulars that are mounted on permanent foundations. SAGE classrooms are environmentally friendly and provide more daylight than a traditional portable. They have higher ceilings, natural ventilation, operable windows, and are more energy efficient. The buildings are being built at the same grade as the existing ground, so no ramps will be needed. Where possible, sinks and drinking fountains were installed.

Three double classroom buildings—for a total of six classrooms—are being installed at Skyline. Two double classroom buildings—for a total of four classrooms—are being installed at Glenwood. The buildings are painted to mirror the existing look and feel of each school building, and landscaping will be added.

Ten modular classrooms are being installed on the campuses of Glenwood (first) and Skyline (second) Elementary Schools. These classrooms are mounted on permanent foundations, are environmentally friendly and provide more daylight than a traditional portable. The buildings are painted to mirror the existing look and feel of each school building, and landscaping will be added.

This project is funded by construction mitigation fees, and the remaining K-3 Class Size Reduction Grant funding. In 2016 Lake Stevens School District was one of 21 districts in the state to receive a K-3 Class Size Reduction Grant from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The district was allocated $24.56 million for building projects that add or update classrooms to increase space for students.

Grant funds were also used to fund a portion of the construction of Stevens Creek Elementary School and the new Early Learning Center, and the renovation of the old Early Learning Center into Hillcrest West. New kindergarten classrooms were also added to Glenwood, Highland, Hillcrest, Mt. Pilchuck, Skyline and Sunnycrest Elementary Schools.

Secure Entries Project
The districtwide Secure Entries Project is complete. New electronic locks and hardware were installed that enable school staff to secure their entry in the event of an emergency. In some instances, this included building new walls and installing new doors to create securable entrance vestibules. The secure entries are programmed based on each school’s schedule, and the entry can be secured with the push of a button.

Each school in our district now has a secure entry system that allows school personnel to identify and greet people before granting them access to the school.

The project also includes a new entrance security camera and video screen, a front entry video intercom and integration to the intrusion detection system in each school building.

In addition, all buildings on the campuses at Lake Stevens and North Lake Middle Schools received new electronic locks so that the entire campus can be secured from the office.

June 10, 2021

Secure Entries Project
The districtwide Secure Entries Project is nearing completion. New electronic locks and hardware enable school staff to secure their entry in the event of an emergency. In some instances, this included building new walls and installing new doors to create securable entrance vestibules. The secure entries are programmed based on each school’s schedule, and the entry can be secured with the push of a button.

The project also includes a new entrance security camera and video screen, a front entry video intercom and integration to the intrusion detection system in each school building.

In addition, all buildings on the campuses at Lake Stevens and North Lake Middle Schools received new electronic locks so that the entire campus can be secured from the office.

This project was funded by the 2016 school construction bond.

Lake Stevens High School
The first two phases of the modernization and expansion of Lake Stevens High School are complete. The third phase has been broken down into three stages, and the first two stages are finished in time for the return of students to in-person learning.

The former gymnasium was transformed into a new music suite and a renovated weight room for athletics. The music suite includes new classrooms for band and choir, practice rooms, and music and instrument storage spaces.

Phase III A
During phase III A, the former main gymnasium was transformed into a new music wing and a renovated weight room and bicycle room for athletics. The music wing includes new larger classrooms for band and choir, multiple practice and ensemble rooms, and greater storage for sheet music and instruments.

Locker rooms were modernized with new fixtures and finishes, including new toilets, sinks, urinals, stalls and showers. The laundry room was moved into the mechanical room, and a new electrical room and data closet were added.

Locker rooms and student bathrooms were renovated, and upgrades were made to lighting, fire alarms, HVAC controls and security systems.

Classrooms in the 100, 200 and 300 buildings were modernized with new paint, carpet, ceiling tiles, projectors, audio enhancements, white boards, and sinks. Furniture was also replaced.

Phase III B & C
In phase III B, the former 200, 300 and the center portion of the 100 buildings were modernized. Now given the new names of Northwest, Northeast and North Hall, respectively, these classrooms were part of the original school construction that opened in 1979. Classrooms in these buildings received new paint, carpet, ceiling tiles, projectors, classroom audio, white boards, and sinks. Old cabinetry was removed. Fume hoods and lab stations were also removed from old science classrooms. Student and teacher desks and other furniture were also replaced. Phase III C gave similar treatments to the 1995 additions to North, Northwest and Northeast halls. These building areas are in relatively good condition. However, the goal of the high school construction project was to modernize all teaching and learning spaces. They received new paint, carpet and ceiling tiles, classroom audio and new projectors, and furniture.

Phase III C features a new perimeter fence with electronically-locking gates for safety and security.

The work in Phases III B & C was expedited and is complete and ready for students and staff, thanks to the work of the Cornerstone Construction team and its subcontractors. Teachers had access to their teaching spaces prior to Spring Break in order to prepare for the return of high school students.

“We are extremely grateful to Cornerstone and their team,” said Robb Stanton, Executive Director of Operations. “We are especially grateful to the staff and administration at Lake Stevens High School. Construction work can be disruptive to the teaching and learning process, and we appreciate their patience and perseverance. We couldn’t have done this without their partnership.”

Modular Classrooms
Ten modular classrooms will be installed on the campuses of Glenwood and Skyline Elementary Schools. These are Smart Academic Green Environments (SAGE) modular classrooms that will be mounted on permanent foundations. SAGE classrooms are environmentally friendly and provide more daylight than a traditional portable. They have higher ceilings, natural ventilation, operable windows, and are more energy efficient. The buildings will be built at the same grade as the existing ground, so no ramps will be needed. The buildings will also have running water with sinks and drinking fountains.

Ten modular classrooms will be installed on the campuses of Glenwood and Skyline Elementary Schools. These are environmentally-friendly SAGE classrooms that will be mounted on permanent foundations, and painted to mirror the existing look and feel of each school building.

Three double classroom buildings—for a total of six classrooms—will be installed at Skyline. Two double classroom buildings—for a total of four classrooms—will be installed at Glenwood. The buildings will be painted to mirror the existing look and feel of each school building, and landscaping will be added.

This project is funded by construction mitigation fees, and the remaining K-3 Class Size Reduction Grant funding. In 2016 Lake Stevens School District was one of 21 districts in the state to receive a K-3 Class Size Reduction Grant from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The district was allocated $24.56 million for building projects that add or update classrooms to increase space for students.

Grant funds were also used to fund a portion of the construction of Stevens Creek Elementary School and the new Early Learning Center, and the renovation of the old Early Learning Center into Hillcrest West. New kindergarten classrooms were also added to Glenwood, Highland, Hillcrest, Mt. Pilchuck, Skyline and Sunnycrest Elementary Schools.

Work is scheduled to begin this June and will be ready to occupy in the fall after the school year has begun.

Bond Project Update

Feb. 8, 2021

In 2016, Lake Stevens’ voters approved a $116 million bond that included modernization and expansion of Lake Stevens High School, and the construction of Stevens Creek Elementary School and the Early Learning Center. Bond dollars were also used to improve safety and security throughout the district, and to make health, educational and infrastructure improvements.

Lake Stevens School District would like to thank our voters and our community for their continued support. As important stakeholders, we want to ensure that you are aware of the important work that is happening throughout the district.

Lake Stevens High School
Lake Stevens High School is being modernized and expanded in phases while students are on campus. The first and second phases of construction are complete. The new East Hall is a three-story academic building that houses science and general education classrooms, the Learning Commons (library and Student Support Center), and several collaboration spaces for students and staff. The Southeast Hall includes a new gymnasium and new support spaces (reception, office and locker rooms) and a renovated swimming pool and support spaces. Viking Hall is a student hub with easy access to administration, attendance, counseling, the cafeteria, the business office and the COVE (student store). Finally, a renovated 400 building—which formerly housed the library and classrooms—is now West Hall, home to the school’s Career and Technical Education and Special Education Departments.

Phase Three is underway and includes the renovation of the old gym into a new music wing, and PE, weight and cycling rooms. The athletic locker rooms are being modernized, as are classrooms in the old 100, 200 and 300 buildings. Work is scheduled to be complete in fall 2021.

School Fields
The turf fields at Lake Stevens High School (LSHS) and Cavelero (CAV) Mid High School, and the grass playfield at Glenwood Elementary School, were all completed ahead of schedule. While artificial turf fields are safer and more cost-effective to maintain, they need to be replaced once they cannot meet stringent safety standards. The average age of artificial turf fields is about 12.5 years. The district’s Grounds Department took excellent care of the fields, and they were used for 15 at LSHS, and 14 years at CAV. Completing both fields at the same time allowed the district to maximize its cost savings. Funds for the replacement of the fields came from an account created by the Board of Directors to replace aging facilities and systems, not the 2016 school construction bond.

Safety and Security Improvements
Safety and security upgrades are being made, in phases, in all schools and support facilities. This includes the replacement of old and the installation of new electronic door access controls, video security and intercoms. When complete, each school will have an integrated security system with the ability to control access and quickly respond to an emergency.

Other Improvements
At the Transportation Center, underground fuel tanks were removed and above ground tanks were installed. The parking lot paving was also replaced.

Construction Update

Feb. 21, 2020

The first phase of the modernization and expansion of Lake Stevens High School is complete. The community is invited to explore these new spaces during the Open House & Ribbon Cutting on Thursday, Feb. 27 at 4 p.m. Photo © Chris Eden - edenphotography.us

Photo © Chris Eden - edenphotography.us

First phase of Lake Stevens High School construction complete
The first phase of the modernization and expansion of Lake Stevens High School is complete! The new learning spaces are being used by students and staff members. These include the new East Hall—a three-story building that includes science and general education classrooms, the Learning Commons (library and student support center), and several learning collaboration spaces for students and staff members. East Hall transitions into Viking Hall, which includes a new gymnasium; the pool, and swimming pool support spaces (reception, office and locker rooms). A student hub allows easy access to administration, attendance, counseling, cafeteria, the business office and the COVE (student store).

In December, the 400 building was turned over to construction crews. This space, which formerly housed the library and classrooms, will be used for Career and Technical Education and Special Education. Design and budgeting of the final stages of modernization and expansion is underway.

Lake Stevens School District Pool
In mid January, athletes from the Lake Stevens High School swim teams took an inaugural dip in the modernized pool. What an exciting afternoon! Collectively, the teams spent more than 4,000 miles on the road for practices and swim meets this school year while the pool was under construction. Thank you to our coaches for their flexibility and relentlessness. The pool will open for high school classes for second semester, and for the public later this month.

Modernization of the pool included replacement of pool mechanical systems (water and air treatment and circulation) for improved air quality, guest comfort and operability of the facility; resurfacing and retiling the pool liner; cleaning and sealing the pool deck; expanded seating; and additional storage. Locker rooms were also expanded and modernized, and an additional single occupancy restroom was added. Pool staff members also have a revitalized staff room, and access to the adjacent Team Room for meetings and special events.

We are excited to welcome our community to the modernized pool! We are working hard to train our new staff members and to finalize program offerings. Swimming lessons will begin in March with a limited schedule, and we will return to our full programming schedule following Spring Break.

Follow the Lake Stevens School District Pool on Facebook (@lakestevenspool) and Instagram (@lssd_pool) for updates.

Hillcrest West

Hillcrest West welcomes students, staff
The week before Winter Break, Hillcrest Elementary School second- and third-grade students and staff members began using the newly-renovated Hillcrest West. This space is adjacent to Hillcrest and formerly housed the Early Learning Center. It features classrooms, new restrooms, an additional cafeteria, health room and collaboration spaces for teaching and learning. Hillcrest continues to have the highest elementary student enrollment, and this additional space is necessary to best serve students.

Lake Stevens High School Open House & Ribbon Cutting

Feb. 2020

Join us Thursday, Feb. 27 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Lake Stevens High School Open House & Ribbon Cutting. Festivities will be indoors, followed by self-guided tours and refreshments. Go Vikings!

The LSHS campus has flipped!

Dec. 2019

Check out the campus map to identify parking. Visitor parking and the main entrance to high school is off of 113th Ave. NE. School buses will continue dropping-off and picking-up students behind the school. Student drop-off and pick-up remains on 30th St. NE.

This new map went into effect Monday, Dec. 9.

LSHS Community Ribbon Cutting

Dec. 2019

Please save the date for the Lake Stevens High School Community Ribbon Cutting! This special event will give guests the opportunity to explore the first phase of the modernized and expanded high school. More information is coming in January!

When: Thursday, February 27, 4 to 6 p.m.
Where: Lake Stevens High School, 2908 113th Ave NE, Lake Stevens

Construction update

Oct. 2019

Lake Stevens High School Modernization and Expansion
Phase One construction, which began in June 2018, is being finalized. Staff members and students will begin using the new teaching and learning spaces by Winter Break. Phase One construction is substantially complete, however, a great deal of work has to happen before a space is ready for classroom instruction. This includes cleaning, establishing network and phone connections, installing wifi access points and classroom technology, moving in furniture and equipment, and allowing teachers time to ready their classrooms.

Modernization and expansion of Lake Stevens High School includes a new three-story academic building for science and general education classrooms and the Learning Commons; a new athletic building, including a new gymnasium and swimming pool support spaces. These spaces are connected by a student hub with easy access to administration, attendance, counseling, cafeteria, the business office and the COVE. These new spaces will open by Winter Break for student use.

Phase One includes a new three-story academic building for science and general education classrooms and the Learning Commons (library and student support center); a new athletic building, including a new gymnasium and swimming pool support spaces (reception, office and locker rooms). These spaces are connected by a student hub with easy access to administration, attendance, counseling, cafeteria, the business office and the COVE (the student store).

Lake Stevens School District Pool

Work to modernize the Lake Stevens School District Pool began in April 2019. This includes replacement of pool mechanical systems for improved air quality; resurfacing and retiling the pool liner; cleaning and sealing the pool deck; expanded seating; and additional storage. The pool will open in early 2020.

Construction to modernize the swimming pool began in April 2019. This includes replacement of pool mechanical systems (water and air treatment and circulation) for improved air quality, guest comfort and operability of the facility; resurfacing and retiling the pool liner; cleaning and sealing the pool deck; expanded seating; and additional storage. As the pool space was being modernized, moisture damage was discovered in the walls of the pool facility and in the roof of the mechanical room. Affected drywall and insulation were removed and the walls are being sealed and protected to prevent continued moisture intrusion. The roof and structural supports over the mechanical room were completely replaced. When the drywall was removed, cracking was found in some of the block walls. The building was evaluated by a structural engineer, and the cracks were determined to be aesthetic. The building was found to be structurally sound. The project’s roof replacement included seismic upgrades to bring the building into compliance with current seismic code.

While this important work was being evaluated, inspected and completed, other planned construction activities were suspended. This caused a nearly five-week delay in our timeline. As such, the pool space will not open at the same time as the rest of the athletic wing. At this time, the pool is expected to open for high school classes and high school athletics in January 2020. Recreational programming, including swimming lessons, should resume in February 2020.

Future Phases
Renovation of the 400 building for special education and Career and Technical Education will begin in December. Design of the next phase is underway and construction will begin in July 2020. This work includes renovating the existing main gymnasium to house a new facility for band and choir as well as a new weight room for athletics; upgrading security, communications, fire alarm and heating/ventilation controls throughout the campus; modernizing parts of the 100, 200, 300 and 500 buildings; and modernize existing bathrooms throughout the campus. More information will be shared as plans are finalized.

Hillcrest West Renovation

This artistic rendering shows what the new Hillcrest West will look like when complete. The former Early Learning Center is being converted into classrooms, additional restrooms, a second cafeteria and health room, and collaboration spaces for teaching and learning. These new spaces will help serve students in our district’s largest elementary school.

The former Early Learning Center, which was adjacent to Hillcrest Elementary School, is being converted into Hillcrest West. This space includes classrooms, restrooms, an additional cafeteria and health room, and collaboration spaces for teaching and learning. Hillcrest has the highest elementary student enrollment, and this additional space is necessary to best-serve students. Students and staff will begin using these new spaces by January 2020.

Thank you voters! Updates on bond projects throughout the district

June 2019

The Lake Stevens School District Pool is being modernized as part of Phase Two construction at Lake Stevens High School. Here, the plaster lining is being removed so it can be re-tiled and replaced.

In 2016 our voters approved a $116 million bond that included modernization and expansion of Lake Stevens High School and the construction of the new Stevens Creek Elementary School and the Early Learning Center. Bond dollars are also used to improve safety and security throughout the district, and to make health, educational and infrastructure improvements.

Lake Stevens School District would like to say THANK YOU to our voters and our community. As important stakeholders, we want to ensure that you are aware of the important work that is happening throughout the district.

Safety and Security Improvements
Safety and security upgrades are being made, in phases, in all schools. This includes the installation and upgrade of door access controls, intrusion detection systems and video security in each school. When complete, each school will have a video surveillance system that syncs with a door access control system and an intrusion detection system.

Construction and Modernization Projects

Lake Stevens High School
The complete modernization and expansion of Lake Stevens High School is going strong!

Phase One construction includes a new three-story academic building for science and general education classrooms and the Learning Commons (library and student support center); a new athletic building, including a new gymnasium and swimming pool support spaces (reception, office and locker rooms); and renovation of the 400 building for special education and Career and Technical Education. These spaces will be connected by a student hub with easy access to administration, attendance, counseling, cafeteria, the business office and the COVE (the student store).

Phase One construction will be substantially complete in August. Students and staff members will begin using these new spaces in late fall 2019.

Phase Two construction to modernize the swimming pool began in April. This includes replacement of pool mechanical systems (water and air treatment and circulation) for improved air quality, guest comfort and operability of the facility; resurfacing and re-tiling the pool liner; cleaning and sealing the pool deck; expanded seating; and additional storage.

Design of Phase Three is underway and construction will begin in July 2020. This work includes renovating the existing main gymnasium to house a new facility for band and choir as well as a new weight room for athletics; upgrading security, communications, fire alarm and heating/ventilation controls throughout the campus; modernizing parts of the 100, 200, 300 and 500 buildings; and modernize existing bathrooms throughout the campus.

Cavelero Mid High School

• Cavelero’s exterior was repainted in the summer of 2018.
• A new transportation south satellite was built adjacent to Cavelero. The ability to park buses in the south portion of the district increases efficiencies in bus routes and staffing, which provides better service to our students and families.

Lake Stevens Middle School

• New bleachers were installed in the gymnasium.
• The track is being replaced in phases. The first phase was completed in the fall and included the installation of an asphalt surface. The second phase includes the installation of a rubber track surface, which will be complete by the end of June. The tracks will open to the community this fall.

North Lake Middle School

• Portions of the roof were repaired
• The track is being replaced in phases. The first phase was completed in the fall and included the installation of an asphalt surface. The second phase includes the installation of a rubber track surface, which will be complete by the end of June. The tracks will open to the community this fall.

Glenwood Elementary School

• Portions of the roof were repaired
• Glenwood was connected to the city sewer after being on an aging septic system

Hillcrest Elementary School

• The former Early Learning Center, which is adjacent to Hillcrest, is being converted into Hillcrest West. This space will include classrooms, restrooms, an additional cafeteria and collaboration spaces for students. Hillcrest has the highest student enrollment, and this additional space is necessary to best-serve students.

Stevens Creek Elementary School

• The new Stevens Creek was built off of Lake Drive. It is the district’s seventh elementary school, and opened its doors in September 2018.

Early Learning Center

• The new Early Learning Center was built off of Lake Drive, adjacent to Stevens Creek. It opened its doors in January 2018.

New kindergarten classrooms
Lake Stevens School District was one of 21 districts in the state to receive a K-3 Class Size Reduction Grant from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The grant provides funds to assist districts with adding new K-3 classroom spaces. In Lake Stevens, a portion of this money was used to add two new kindergarten classrooms in each of our six elementary schools. Construction of these new spaces is complete, and the new classrooms are happily being used by kindergarteners and their teachers.

Skyline Elementary School held a fun ribbon cutting earlier this year in celebration of its new kindergarten classrooms. Two new kindergarten classrooms were constructed at each elementary school in the district, thanks to a K-3 Class Size Reduction Grant from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

LSHS modernization photo gallery

Apr. 2019

Project priorities, timeline shift for Lake Stevens High School modernization and expansion

Feb. 2019

If you've visited or driven past Lake Stevens High School (LSHS) recently you know that construction of the modernized and expanded school is steadily progressing. Construction began in June 2018, but the research, planning, budgeting and design processes started many years ago.

Since the high school is being modernized and expanded in its current location, construction has been broken into multiple phases to maximize state and local funding and to minimize the disruption to the teaching and learning process.

The scope of projects that are included in each phase of construction have been prioritized to ensure that student instructional spaces take preference over other commitments. The timeline of these projects has also changed based on a myriad of factors.

What’s changed and why?
Since project planning began in 2015, there have been numerous changes in the construction market, including a shortage of qualified laborers and escalating costs. These challenges, coupled with recent tariffs on building materials, labor strikes and weather have impacted project costs and schedule.

“We want to be very transparent with our stakeholders about these changes,” said Dr. Amy Beth Cook, Superintendent of Lake Stevens School District. “While our timeline and scope have shifted, our commitment to our students, staff and community will not be affected. A great deal of work has been, and will be done, to Lake Stevens High School to make it a learning focused, student centered, community minded campus to meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s learners.”

Phase One

Currently under construction
Original move-in date, Academic Building: September 2019
Updated move-in date:
Academic Building, late fall 2019
Athletic Building, late fall 2019

Phase One construction of the Academic Building is scheduled to be substantially complete in August 2019. That timeline has not changed. However, “substantial completion” does not mean that a space is ready for teaching and learning. A great deal of work has to happen before a space is ready for classroom instruction. This includes cleaning, establishing network and phone connections, installing wifi access points and classroom technology, moving in furniture and equipment, and allowing teachers time to ready their classrooms.

Currently, all LSHS teachers have places to teach. The extended timeline does not negatively impact teaching and learning.

Phase One projects:

• A new three-story academic building for science and general education classrooms and the Learning Commons (library and student support center)
• New athletic building, including a new gymnasium and swimming pool support spaces (reception, office and locker rooms)
• Renovation of the 400 building for Special Education and Career and Technical Education

These spaces will be connected by a student hub with easy access to administration, attendance, counseling, cafeteria, the business office and the COVE (the student store).

Phase Two - Pool

Design underway
Construction begins April 2019
Facility opens: Late Fall 2019

Phase Two project:

• Modernization of the swimming pool
• Replacement of pool mechanical systems (water and air treatment and circulation) for improved air quality, guest comfort and operability of the facility
• Resurfacing and repainting the pool liner
• Cleaning and sealing the pool deck
• Expanded seating
• Additional storage

The swimming pool will be closed in mid-February through fall 2019. To maximize the amount of work that can occur during this time, and to minimize the impact to students, athletes and the community, the pool’s schedule was expedited. The high school pool is the only public pool in the City of Lake Stevens, and provides health and recreational benefits to students and the community.

Phase Three

Design underway
Construction begins: July 2020

Phase Three projects:

• Renovate the existing main gymnasium to house a new facility for band and choir as well as a new weight room for athletics.
• Upgrade security, communications, fire alarm and heating/ventilation controls throughout the campus
• Modernize parts of the 100, 200, 300 and 500 buildings
• Modernize existing bathrooms throughout the campus

Extending the Phase Three project timeline is beneficial, because it allows Lake Stevens School District to:

• Maximize funds for the project from the state through the School Construction Assistance Program (SCAP). SCAP provides funding assistance to school districts that are undertaking new construction or modernization projects.
• Work with the design team to fully explore, estimate and value-engineer solutions. Value engineering is used to identify and eliminate unwanted costs, while improving function and quality.
• Utilize additional funding from school impact fees, interest and construction contingencies.
• Complete construction of Phases One and Two.

Additional work will be evaluated throughout the project to determine available funds.

As more decisions are made, we will continue to update our students, staff members and community using our many communication channels.

Phase one construction continues at Lake Stevens High School

Winter 2019 Update

An aerial view of Lake Stevens High School. The new athletic building, which will connect to the renovated swimming pool will be on the right. Concrete foundations were poured for the new academic building, front and center.

The first phase of construction of the modernized and expanded Lake Stevens High School is well under way. This summer, a water retention pond was dug adjacent to the baseball and softball fields. The portable classrooms and greenhouses behind the school were removed and the area was cleared and paved for a new parking lot and the school’s bus loop. Steel beams are being erected in the new academic building at the front of campus, which will hold three stories of classrooms and the new Learning Commons (library). The swimming pool remains closed to the public, but is being used for PE classes and the school’s aquatics teams. It will close completely following the boy’s swimming and diving season and will reopen in the 2019-20 school year.

Steel beams are being erected for the new academic building at Lake Stevens High School. The new building will hold three stories of classrooms and the new Learning Commons (library).

Middle school tracks replaced in phases
The tracks at Lake Stevens and North Lake Middle Schools are being replaced in two phases. Work began at Lake Stevens Middle School in mid-September and started at North Lake Middle School in late October. The first phase of replacement includes the installation of an asphalt surface. Asphalt surfaces will be used by students and the community for PE, athletics and extra curricular activities until this spring. The second phase of construction includes the installation of a rubber track surface beginning in May of 2019.

The new asphalt track surface at Lake Stevens Middle School is complete. The rubber track surface will be installed this spring.

The middle school track replacement project is part of the 2016 bond that was approved by the community. The project was originally scheduled for the summer of 2018, but was delayed due to permitting issues and contractor availability.

Construction of new kindergarten classrooms nearly complete
In 2016, Lake Stevens School District was one of 21 districts in the state to receive a K-3 Class Size Reduction Grant from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The grant provided funding to assist districts with adding new K-3 classroom spaces. A portion of those funds were used to build new kindergarten classrooms at each of the district’s elementary schools. Classrooms at Highland, Hillcrest, Mt. Pilchuck and Sunnycrest Elementary Schools opened last school year. Construction at Skyline Elementary School was completed in early January 2019, and construction at Glenwood Elementary School will be complete in late winter 2019.

LSHS tennis courts closed for construction parking and storage

Aug. 31, 2018

The Lake Stevens High School tennis courts are closed for the 2018-19 school year. They will be used for construction parking and storage. Cavelero Mid High School’s upper tennis courts are available to our community for use after school and on weekends.

Ground broken for Lake Stevens High School

June 21, 2018

The ceremonial diggers at the high school groundbreaking were, from left: Dr. Amy Beth Cook, Superintendent; Ray Mitchell, community member; Tim Jewett, Dykeman Architecture; Paige Thibaut, student; Leslie Ivelia, Principal; David Iseminger, Board President; and Jason Thomas, Cornerstone General Contractors.

The official Groundbreaking Ceremony for the modernized and expanded Lake Stevens High School was held June 8. Phase one construction, which includes a new three-story classroom building, a student hub and an athletic building, began June 18.

The entire high school campus, with the exception of the stadium, is closed through mid-August. The high school pool will remain closed to the public until fall 2019 because the pool’s public locker rooms and restrooms are being demolished and rebuilt. There will be no swimming lessons, lap swims, family swims, water aerobics or pool rentals during this time. High school aquatics classes will continue next school year since students are able to use existing student locker rooms inside the high school.

Construction to start on Lake Stevens High School this June

March 29, 2018

Construction will begin on the modernized and expanded Lake Stevens High School this June. Phase one of the project features a new three story academic building for science and general education classrooms and the Learning Commons (far right); a new athletic building (see second image); and a student hub that connects the spaces (center).

Big changes are coming to Lake Stevens High School (LSHS)! Beginning this June, construction will begin on the high school modernization and expansion project. Construction will happen in phases, while students are on campus. This work is anticipated to last for three school years. The modernization and expansion will include new learning spaces for general education, special education, music and athletics; improvements to the swimming pool; upgrades to campus security; upgraded restrooms; replacement of heating, ventilation, roofing and electrical systems; and improvements to school safety, student parking and bus loading areas.

The entire LSHS campus will be closed to staff members, students and visitors from June 16 through late August. This will allow for site preparation and demolition to take place before the return of students and staff for the 2018-19 school year.

A temporary student, staff and visitor parking plan is being developed. This information will be shared with the Lake Stevens High School community prior to the start of the 2018-19 school year. Once all phases of the modernization and expansion are complete, LSHS will have more parking spots than what is currently available.

Phase One Construction
The first phase of construction includes:

• A three story academic building for science and general education classrooms and the Learning Commons (the library and student support center)
• New athletic building and gymnasium
• Renovation of the 400 building
• These spaces will be connected by a student hub with easy access to administration, attendance, counseling, the business office and the COVE (the student store)

The modernization and expansion of the high school also includes a new athletic building (far left) with an indoor public entrance to a new gymnasium, a modernized swimming pool, storage and meeting spaces.

“We are very appreciative to our community for voting to support our school construction bond, and to all of our stakeholders for their contributions to this project,” said Dr. Amy Beth Cook, Superintendent of Lake Stevens School District. “The meetings and engagement activities we hosted with students, staff, families and the community throughout the planning and design process resulted in a tremendous amount of feedback. This feedback has been used throughout the process to design a school that meets the needs of our students as they prepare for college and the world of work. This is truly an exciting time for our district and our community. The construction process will bring some unique challenges, but the outcome will be a learning facility that, our students, staff, families and community members deserve.”

Project updates will be available here on the district website, in our monthly issues e-News and in future issues of Lake Schools (subscribe to receive e-News).

Design & Construction

• Dykeman Architecture
• Cornerstone General Contractors (https://cornerstonegci.com)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will LSHS students attend school during construction?
Construction will be completed in phases over at least three school years to allow work to be completed while students are on site. Extensive planning and preparation will be done to maintain a safe and productive learning environment for students, staff, families and the surrounding community during construction.

When will Cavelero be reconfigured as a high school?
Cavelero was built to address overcrowding in our middle schools and high school, and to someday become a second high school. As you may remember when we built Cavelero we maximized our use of state matching funds to lessen the burden on taxpayers. To use these funds, Cavelero had to remain a mid high school for at least five years.

There is a common misconception that Cavelero would transition to our second high school at that time. This is incorrect. Capacity numbers and growth projections indicate that we will not need to transition to a second high school within the next 10 years. Before we can do that, we would need to build a new middle school and reboundary the district to transition to two high schools.

Advance notice will be given well before this happens. Parents, students, staff and community members will be encouraged to participate in the decision making process.