Long-Range Strategic Facilities Plan and Sustainability Framework 

A long-term plan for building on success

In 2005, a committee comprised of educators, engineers, architects and community members assembled to chart a course for improving the conditions of Bainbridge Island School District facilities.

The 2005 committee reviewed educational specifications and current research on how facilities support best learning practices throughout the district. They set priorities and goals for building, land and space development, and produced the Facilities Master Plan—a living document and road map to direct facility improvement decisions district-wide.

Facility improvements to date

Recommendations from the 2005 plan resulted in major improvements, including the replacement of Bainbridge High School’s 200 Building in 2009, additional science rooms at BHS and Commodore Options School, a new commons area at Commodore, BHS stadium track and field replacement, and the opening of a maintenance facility in spring, 2010.

In 2012, replacement of x̌alilc (Halilts) Elementary School transformed four worn-out brick buildings, failing septic system and temporary portables, into an award-winning model of school design. The Master Plan also launched numerous smaller projects across the district.

A New steering committee was formed in January 2015, to bring the road map up to date. The review included understanding how intentional building design supports and enriches innovative curriculum. Comprehensive facility goals were compared to the district’s mission, vision and guiding principles. Attention was focused on determining how to best serve the curriculum needs of all students while acting as wise stewards of taxpayer dollars. The committee’s work utilized the facilities study and survey conducted in the spring of 2014.

The results of this work led to the successful passing of the 2016 Bond, which resulted in the replacement of Captain Johnston Blakely Elementary School and the BHS 100 Building.  The Master Plan would also see the successful completion of security enhancements district-wide.

Long-term Planning and Sustainability Framework 

The Long-Range Facilities Plan is a living document that requires periodic updates and revisions.  In October of 2023, a new committee was formed to update the 2015 Facilities Master Plan.  The Long-Range Strategic Facilities Planning Committee utilized the 2023 Study and Survey to guide the planning effort and prioritize potential future projects through collaboration and a shared understanding of the district’s educational environments and current facility conditions.  A parallel effort was also launched in October 2023, the Sustainable Action Plan Committee, which would go on to inform the Long-Range planning effort through the creation of a sustainability framework focusing on environmental sustainability with respect to mitigation and adaptation to climate change.  

Both committees completed their work in June 2024 and delivered the final Long-Range plan to the school board of directors in July, 2025.  The school board would go on to approve the Long-Range Facilities Plan and authorize district staff to begin bond planning.  Efforts to update the district educational designa nd construction standards are being conducted and will inform consultants assisting with bond planning preparations.