6883 - Closure of Facilities

The board of directors has the authority to close a school building when an unforeseen natural event or mechanical failure causes a facility to become unsafe, unhealthy, inaccessible, or inoperable. Prior to the closure of a school facility for foreseen circumstances, the board will have prepared a written analysis which considers the following issues:

1. Projected or actual enrollment declines and the likelihood that they will remain permanent;
2. The effect that the disposition or retirement will have on other facilities and on the district's educational program offering;
3. Student and staff displacement, including transportation costs to new facilities and staff reassignment;
4. Potential for renovation;
5. Financial considerations in terms of such factors as staff costs, operating and maintenance cost, the potential revenue from sale or lease of property, the cost of closure and transferring operations elsewhere;
6. Safety, health and fire regulations; and
7. Whether or not the facility may effectively be used for other purposes.

During a ninety-day (90) period following the development of a written analysis, the board will conduct one or more hearings to receive testimony on any issues related to the closure of a school.  Each hearing notice will be published once each week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation that serves the area where the school is located.  The last notice will be published at least seven days prior to the hearing.  The notice will contain the date, time, place and purpose of the hearing.

Comments received from interested parties will be used for advisory purposes only.  The final determination of whether a facility will be closed or remain open will be made by the board.

 

Legal References:

RCW 28A.150.290(2)	State superintendent to make rules and regulations — Unforeseen conditions or actions to be recognized — Paperwork limited
RCW 28A.320.010	Corporate powers
RCW 28A.335.020	School Closures — Policy of citizen involvement required — Summary of effects — Hearings — Notice

 

Management Resources:

2011 – December Issue

 

Adoption Date:  December 19, 2005

Revised Date: July 24, 2024

 

Administrator Responsibilities: