Board approves future school site purchase

The Central Kitsap school board at its meeting Wednesday night approved the land purchase of about 19 acres for a possible future school site.

The district is in the process of buying three lots bordered by Tibardis Road, northwest of Olympic High School. The land is owned by Elizabeth Schultz and her daughter Diane Sugzda. Schultz owns about 13.5 acres of it and Sugzda owns two 2.7-acre lots. The land is forested and contains one house, said Richard Best, the district’s facilities director.

“The district sees some opportunities there to utilize the fields,” Best said of existing ballfields located at the Fairgrounds across the street.

The site is large enough to accommodate a junior high or elementary school. District officials had considered the site for the proposed replacement for Fairview Junior High, which was part of a failed bond package last year.

The land purchase, which was already part of this year’s budget, is expected to cost about $644,000 plus closing costs Best said.

The deal should close in about 90 days, following a land survey and environmental study.

In other business, board members heard a presentation of new courses proposed for the 2004-05 school year. They include: advanced materials science and technology for grades 11-12; advanced principles of technology for grades 11-12; AP psychology for grade 12; American Sign Language 3 for grades 9-12; biotechnology for grades 11-12; CollegeEd for grade 7; digital tools/keyboarding for grades 9-12; Fitness for Life for grades 9-12. No action was taken.

The board was recognized for its work as part of School Board Appreciation month.

The next board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, at Woodlands Elementary, 720 Central Valley Road. A tour of the school is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.