Port Angeles School Board OKs Lead Remediation Plan
The Port Angeles School Board endorsed a comprehensive water remediation strategy last Thursday, concluding follow-up testing had brought most outlets back within safe lead thresholds after earlier findings revealed concerning contamination levels across three district schools.
Initial screening of 91 drinking-water stations uncovered nine locations exceeding Washington’s regulatory action level of 5 parts per billion. Six of these were located at Port Angeles High School, two at Dry Creek Elementary, and one at Roosevelt Elementary. Among the highest readings were 28 and 16 parts per billion recorded at sink taps in Room 302 of the high school’s cafeteria wing, with other elevated spots ranging between 6 and 12 parts per billion.
Facilities director Eric Britton outlined the district’s response, noting all nine identified outlets were taken offline—regardless of whether they surpassed the stricter 15-part-per-billion threshold that triggers mandatory shutdowns under state law. Additional fixtures with results nearing the action level were also upgraded proactively. Replacement work was completed ahead of the board’s vote.
According to the district’s action plan, Dry Creek and the high school received their test results on July 16, prompting an October 8 closure of affected taps—though the plan notes the actual shutoff occurred earlier, on July 17. Roosevelt’s timeline differed: results arrived May 21, and the affected kitchen faucet, which tested at 12 parts per billion, was closed on June 8.
Post-remediation testing in September assessed the nine upgraded fixtures along with two new locations. Final data, delivered September 28, confirmed most locations now fall beneath the 5-part-per-billion benchmark. One exception: a pot-filler sprayer in the high school kitchen remained at 6 parts per billion and was permanently isolated on September 30. Britton confirmed alternate water access is available for kitchen operations.
Another lingering fixture is a faucet in the high school’s girls’ locker room, which tested at 10 parts per billion. Though still accessible for filling sports bottles, its use for direct drinking has been restricted through locking and signage. Athletes can continue refilling containers at a nearby concessions-area station that met safety standards.
Britton emphasized collaboration with the state Department of Health in shaping the remediation approach and reported strong stakeholder support. The board adoption was unanimous, with no formal opposition noted during the meeting.
Enrollment Growth Outpaces Projection
In a separate update, Greg Geyer shared enrollment data showing the district currently serves 3,144 full-time-equivalent students as of October—37 more than budgeted. The year-to-date average stands at 3,125, reflecting steady enrollment momentum despite broader demographic shifts affecting public education.
Enrollment growth was driven largely by Seaview Academy, which saw its full-time equivalent count rise from 218 in September to 271 the following month, according to Geyer. He noted that 118 students attending in October lived outside the district.
Geyer stated that while overall numbers remain lower than the previous year, the disparity is decreasing. Data regarding Running Start participation was unavailable at the time the report was compiled.
Regarding school boundaries, Long said the elementary-level advisory group focused on school size and organization was anticipated to present a proposal to the board in December. The board did not vote to close or consolidate any schools during Thursday's meeting.
School improvement plans
Directors gave approval to the 2026–27 school improvement plans for Lincoln High School and Seaview Academy. The briefing highlighted attendance, course completion, and graduation monitoring.
Lincoln’s briefing described a student body where nearly 80 percent are low-income, stressing the necessity for a smaller environment providing more focused assistance.
At Seaview, efforts are directed toward raising state assessment participation and offering remedial English and math instruction to struggling students. Those maintaining passing grades may engage in arts enrichment via a collaboration with the Peninsula Performs program at Field Hall.
Superintendent Michelle Olsen explained that these specific plans reached the board ahead of other institutions because board endorsement is a prerequisite for receiving state school-improvement funding.
Franklin Elementary's presentation noted a rise in enrollment and increasing special-education requirements. The school opened with 342 pupils, up from approximately 322 at the prior year's start. The count of students holding individualized education programs climbed from 72 to 92.
Staff detailed grant-funded initiatives regarding neural education and universal design for learning, a framework designed to offer varied methods for students to engage with material and exhibit comprehension while upholding academic standards. The presentation also underscored increased student and family participation in guiding this work.
Construction and athletics
Middle-school athletes are utilizing alternative venues as construction continues at Hurricane Ridge Middle School.
The athletics briefing noted football practices occur at Port Angeles High School, volleyball at Roosevelt Elementary, and classrooms serve as changing areas for certain athletes. Middle-school football drew 32 participants, cross-country had 34, and volleyball had 48.
The football schedule has been reduced to four games against Forks. The presenter stated that Sequim and Blue Heron in Port Townsend are not fielding tackle-football programs for the season.
The high-school athletics briefing included plans to create a separate head-coach position for girls' wrestling as participation increases, along with coaching adjustments and vacancies in various sports.
Olsen said the new middle-school gym was expected to be ready for students and instruction at the end of January 2027, with the district also hoping to have the turf field ready for student use in February.
She also reported progress on the middle school’s classrooms and locker rooms, approval of a solar-panel permit, and continuing design work for the high school and Franklin Elementary. Value-engineering plans for those two projects were expected to return to the board in December.
Other votes and a closed session
The board approved collective bargaining agreements for coaches and office professionals. Their financial terms were not described during the votes.
Directors also adopted an October Disability History Month proclamation and recognized Franklin students, school administrators, nutrition staff and transportation employees.
Near the end of the meeting, Long announced a 45-minute executive session to receive and evaluate complaints or charges against a public officer or employee.
Upcoming Board Schedule
The board's next announced workshop is scheduled for October 23 at 8 a.m. at Lincoln Center. A business meeting is set for November 12 at 5 p.m., to be followed at 6 p.m. by a government-to-government meeting with the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe at the Heritage Center.