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Building updated as part of 2016 bond passed by voters

Redmond, Wash. – Staff cheered Monday, September 14, as the first preschool student walked confidently into the Early Learning Center at Old Redmond Schoolhouse. It is the first time in more than 20 years that Lake Washington School District (LWSD) has held classes in the building. 

Ben Rush Green Team

Three schools in Lake Washington School District were named 2020 Sustaining Green Schools by King County Green Schools in June. Environmental & Adventure School (EAS) qualified for the recognition for the first time this year. The shared campus of Carl Sandburg Elementary and Discovery Community School have earned the recognition for five consecutive years.

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    Old Redmond Schoolhouse

    We are here: phase 6, Construction

     

    Project Updates

    On April 30, 2020, Lake Washington School District (LWSD) sold a total of $118.85 million of tax-exempt refunding bonds, which will refinance $134 million of its existing debt, to take advantage of lower market interest rates. The refinancing will save the district’s taxpayers more than $18.6 million over the next nine years.

    Digital Signage at school: Eagle Eye on Sustainability

    Energy-efficient design saves money in the long run. To implement energy-efficient features into its construction projects, Lake Washington School District (LWSD) applied for grants from Puget Sound Energy (PSE). The projects received grants that totaled $261,978.

    Lake Washington School District (LWSD) staff regularly meets with representatives from Kirkland, Redmond and Sammamish to determine what new housing projects have been permitted and what that will mean for enrollment growth in our schools.

    In addition, this year, LWSD worked with Flo Analytics, an outside planning, GIS and data-analytic consulting firm, to prepare long-range enrollment projections. Flo Analytics staff were complimentary of the district’s enrollment projection work to date, including the level of planning and detail they maintained.

    exterior, interior classroom, roof

    At Old Redmond Schoolhouse, the new roof is complete. Construction crews are also finishing restoration of windows and masonry. Installation of new siding is nearly complete. Inside, painting is complete. Work continues on other aspects of construction, including floors, ceilings and casework. The renovated building is scheduled to open with 10 preschool classrooms this fall.

    Teachers and students sit on the carpet during their first day of preschool.

    “Every Student Future Ready” starts with our youngest students. In LWSD’s inclusion preschool, special needs students learn and play with typically developing 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds.

    Each class has a special education teacher, a general education preschool teacher and a paraeducator. This co-teaching and inclusive model of instruction allows students to learn from each other and to respect the differences of others.

    Project Information

    Front entrance of the Old Redmond School House

    The Old Redmond Schoolhouse, which opened in 1922, is located on the Redmond Elementary Campus. The building, which previously served as an elementary school, has been leased to the City of Redmond since 1997 and is used as a community center.

    The Long-Term Facilities Task Force recommended the district reacquire the school and make renovations so that it can be used for preschool classrooms. The old school can’t be used for K-12 classrooms, as the district previously received state funding to replace the building when the new Redmond Elementary project was completed.

    Architect: McGranahan Architects
    Contractor: Lydig Construction
    Location: 16600 NE 80th St, Redmond
    Square Footage: 40,000
    Spaces: 10 preschool classrooms, gymnasium, cafeteria/commons
    Estimated Project Cost: $7,837,000 (Includes construction costs of $4.8 million 2016 dollars, $2.3 million in non-construction costs, and $.7 million in expected construction inflation)
    Planned opening: 2020

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    Building Condition/Current Situation
    The district preschool programs include serving student ages 3 to 5 years old that qualify for Special Education. Students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are also served in Head Start and Ready Start programs. Additional preschool spots are made available for a fee on a space available basis. These programs are currently being offered in some elementary schools. They serve students from several neighboring elementary school boundaries.

    Upgrading the Old Redmond Schoolhouse facility and using it for preschool classrooms would free up classrooms now used to house preschool at elementary schools. Those classrooms would be able to accommodate additional elementary students.