LAKE STEVENS—The Lake Stevens School District officially broke ground on its upcoming new elementary school on Monday, March 30, major project aimed at easing overcrowding and accommodating the area’s rapid population growth.
“It’s great to be here today, to break ground on elementary school number 8. This is nothing that anyone has done by themselves. The commitment, the dedication, the passion, for this community in Lake Stevens. We have a foundation for excellence, and for excellence,” said Dr. Mary Templeton, Lake Stevens School District Superintendent, adding there are many more projects in the pipeline for the school district.
The school, currently referred to as Elementary School No. 8, is being constructed through funding provided by a voter-approved school construction bond.
The $76.6 million project is supported by a combination of state and local funds, including a $7.9 million contribution from the state and $68.7 million raised locally. The new facility is expected to serve approximately 750 students and will be designed to meet modern educational standards while providing flexible learning spaces for a growing student body.
“I just want to say, on behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you to all of our voters but not only the voting, but also the energy behind the campaign to do this really great work to accommodate the generations of kiddos who are going to be moving through all of our schools, including this one,” said Lake Stevens School District Board of Directors Vice President Mari Taylor.
The school will be located off Lake Drive, across from Stevens Creek Elementary and the Early Learning Center, in the northwest portion of the district, an area projected to experience the most residential growth. The district said the location leverages existing infrastructure, including roads, sewer, and utilities, making it a practical and efficient choice for the new school.
Design work is led by NAC Architecture, while construction is managed by Cornerstone, both firms with experience in creating educational facilities that prioritize safety, accessibility, and adaptability for future growth. The project is part of a broader bond program that includes modernization and expansion of other schools within the district, along with upgrades to safety and security systems.
The new elementary school is expected to open after the 2027-28 school year. Initially, it will temporarily house students and staff from Glenwood Elementary, which will undergo modernization. Following this transition, the district plans to review attendance zones through a boundary committee appointed by the school board. The goal is to balance enrollment across all elementary schools and ensure equitable access to educational resources.
Lake Stevens School District has seen significant growth over the past decade, with student enrollment steadily increasing. Many schools have reached or exceeded capacity, resulting in the use of temporary classrooms and portables. District officials said the addition of Elementary School No. 8 is a long-term solution to manage this growth and provide high-quality educational spaces for students in the community.
The school is being designed to be a welcoming environment for all students, with spaces that support both academic and extracurricular activities. Modern classrooms, collaborative learning areas, and outdoor facilities are among the features being included in the design. District leaders emphasized that the building will not only accommodate current enrollment but also provide flexibility for future expansion as the community grows.
Community involvement has been a key part of the planning process. Residents and parents were invited to provide input on design, programming, and facility features to ensure the school meets the needs of the families it will serve. Public meetings, surveys, and workshops were used to gather feedback, which helped shape decisions about classroom layouts, playgrounds, and other amenities.
“The feedback from our community has been invaluable,” a district spokesperson said. “We want the new school to reflect the values and needs of our students and families.”
In addition to serving as a neighborhood school, Elementary School No. 8 will also be integrated into broader district initiatives, including technology upgrades and safety improvements. The district is committed to providing students with access to modern educational tools, including 1:1 technology programs, to enhance learning and prepare students for success in an increasingly digital world.
Safety and security are also priorities in the design. The school will include updated security systems, controlled access points, and infrastructure to support emergency preparedness. These measures aim to create a safe and supportive learning environment for students, teachers, and staff.
The opening of Elementary School No. 8 represents a significant investment in the future of the Lake Stevens community. By addressing overcrowding, modernizing facilities, and creating a flexible, student-centered environment, the district is taking steps to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.
District officials encourage community members to stay informed about the project and participate in ongoing updates and engagement opportunities. Information about construction progress, school programming, and boundary adjustments will be shared through the district’s website, newsletters, and public meetings.
“This is more than a construction project; it’s an investment in our children and our community,” the spokesperson said. “We are excited to see Elementary School No. 8 open and welcome students for many years to come.”
As the district continues to grow, the new school is expected to play a central role in shaping the educational experience of thousands of students in the coming decades. With careful planning, community input, and strategic use of resources, Lake Stevens School District is positioning itself to meet the needs of current and future students.
For more information about Elementary School No. 8, including updates on construction and school programming, residents can visit the district’s website at www.lkstevens.wednet.edu
Author: Kienan Briscoe
