WSD begins boundary review process

The Washougal School District is beginning the process to revise current elementary and middle school boundaries.

The boundary review is in response to increased student enrollment and preparing for future growth with the construction of several new schools.

Due to voter approval of a $57 million construction bond in February 2015, WSD will open a new school, Columbia River Gorge Elementary, next fall, as well as a new Jemtegaard Middle School. These facilities will require the district to revise current boundaries beginning with the 2017-18 school year.

The last major boundary adjustment was conducted in the 2001-02 school year.

The school district has hired a consultant, FLO Analytics, to support and facilitate the boundary review process.

Tyler Vick, principal with FLO Analytics, spoke with School Board members at the Sept. 27 meeting.

“An initial assessment will allow us to do our homework on the district, and understand the existing landscape,” he said. “We will do that with student forecasting numbers and community surveys.”

A boundary review committee, comprised of two parents and the principal from each school, will be formed. Applications to participate as a committee member will be accepted Oct. 10 to 28, and will be available online at www.washougalsd.org, and at the WSD office, 4855 Evergreen Way. Committee members will be identified by Nov. 10.

Two open house events will allow the public to provide input to the boundary review committee. The committee will give a final recommendation to the Washougal school board by March 28.

“The process of reviewing our boundaries is key to the successful opening and operation of our new schools,” said Mike Stromme, superintendent. “I’m looking forward to the recommendation of this committee and appreciate community support and interest in this important work.”

The district currently has a total of three elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools attended by a total of 3,188 students.

For more information, contact the committee facilitators at boundary.review@washougalsd.org, or call 954-3000.

Related Stories