The Richland School District has launched a community facilities task force to develop a long-range facilities plan following a failed bond measure in 2024 to build a third high school in West Richland.

More than 52% of voters rejected the $314 million bond, which also would have paid for a new school to replace River’s Edge High School and house Pacific Crest Online Academy, land for future schools and other capital projects.

The newly convened district committee, which includes community members, parents, staff and three students, held its first meeting April 23, beginning a five-month process to guide the district’s capital planning.

The task force is scheduled to deliver recommendations to district administration and the school board by Sept. 22.

“Having so many thoughtful people volunteer to serve says a great deal about this community,” said Assistant Superintendent Ken Gosney in a statement. “The voices around that table – neighbors, families, educators and students – are exactly the ones who should be helping us think through what our schools need for the decades ahead.”

The district charged the committee with developing a long-range facilities programming plan based on technical analysis and stakeholder input. Recommendations must prioritize urgent facility needs, address safety, support teaching and learning, account for enrollment trends, and consider long-term maintenance and operational costs. 

The group is also expected to consider use of existing infrastructure, prior community investment, grant-funded facilities analysis and potential outside funding sources.

During its first meeting, the committee reviewed its mission, adopted operating norms and completed an exercise about what they know, wonder and hope for. Members also reviewed district capital investments dating back to a 2003 bond through the present.

The committee elected Matthew Parkhill as chair and Malini Marshall as vice chair.

The group will meet again in May to review a third-party facilities assessment, community survey feedback, staff focus group input and enrollment projections. 

Meeting materials and summaries will be posted on the district website following each meeting. Go to: rsd.edu/district/facilities-planning.