As the modernization of Oak Harbor High School comes to a close next summer, the district is looking at plans for its soon-to-be vacated “North Campus.”
For the past two years, Clover Valley Elementary served as a campus for freshmen and sophomores to take their core classes while the main campus is under construction.
Next July, all of these students will be housed in the new high school, leaving the space available for other purposes.
Assistant Superintendent Lance Gibbon said several groups have expressed interest in the building, including the Navy.
“They had an interest in using the classroom space for adults but they have since decided to use some space on the base,” Gibbon said.
Other potential occupants include HomeConnection and early childhood programs.
HomeConnection, a home-based learning program that combines public schools, currently has 230 students and a growing waiting list.
“If we had the space, it could’ve been 250 students this fall,” he said.
A committee will also look into the idea of creating an Early Childhood Center, by combining the Head Start program, developmental pre-school classes and the Toddler Learning Center.
The programs are currently spread across town, Gibbon said. Head Start shares the lower level of the Administrative Services Center with HomeConnection and the Toddler Learning Center is located on Regatta Drive.
Representatives from the programs have already begun touring the building.
At one point, Gibbon said Midway High School showed some interest in moving to Clover Valley but the commute would’ve proved too demanding for students. The building is located near the main entrance of Whidbey Island Naval Air Station.
“Many of those students rely on being able to walk to school or use transit so it’s not an ideal location,” he said.
Instead, students and staff from Midway High School will tour the classrooms used by HomeConnection. If they’re selected to move, the space would be larger than Midway’s current classrooms, Gibbon said.
A short-term committee will be formed this November, to look at the compatibility of programs and educational sustainability.
After each group has had a chance to visit the site and provide input, the committee will make a final recommendation to the school board this winter.
