The school board has voted to postpone the start of construction of the new McMicken Heights Elementary School in order to take advantage of enhanced state matching funds. The district learned last Friday afternoon that the rate of state match for Highline would increase next fall. By postponing construction until then, the district could collect approximately $2 million in additional capital funds from the state.

The state provides matching funds to school districts for new school construction.

McMicken students and staff are scheduled to move to their temporary location, the historic Sunnydale building, during mid-winter break in February. The board asked the superintendent to decide whether the move should go ahead as scheduled or be delayed until summer break.

Superintendent Welch pledged to work with McMicken Heights staff and families to come up with a moving plan.