MOUNT VERNON, Wash. After nearly two decades of relying on outdoor athletic facilities that were meant to be temporary fixes, the Mount Vernon School District is discussing a comprehensive, multi-million-dollar upgrade, FOX 13 Seattle reported.
Acting on recommendations from a 25-member community advisory committee, the Mount Vernon School Board is reviewing feedback from a public survey that closed Oct. 4 to decide how to proceed, including whether to pursue a six-year capital levy.
Mount Vernon High School, built in 2001, remains one of the few high schools in the region without covered stadium seating. A single turf field currently serves high school football, soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse, physical education classes and community youth sports, including local private school programs.
Flora Lucatero, chair of the district's Outdoor Athletic Advisory Committee, told FOX 13 the project should be seen as a community investment. She also raised accessibility concerns, saying her sister, who uses a wheelchair, has not been able to safely watch her nephews play football because of how the stadium is built.
The committee unanimously recommended prioritizing its first option while asking the board to gather public input on a second option that would add another track. Committee member Wade Smith said an additional track would expand youth and community use while reducing wear on the existing track. According to the district's website, the proposed 28-cent levy would cost about $140 a year for a home assessed at $540,000, with the second option costing about $184 a year. Lucatero said Mount Vernon is the only district in Skagit County without a middle school track and field program.
Superintendent Dr. Vergara emphasized that the capital work is legally separate from the budget reductions the district is currently addressing. The school board was expected to evaluate the survey results at its Oct. 7 meeting to set next steps for the levy proposal.