The state named the replacement of the existing Taholah School as a top priority under the School Seismic Safety Grant Program, recognizing the urgent need to move students to higher ground. | Photo Credit: Taholah School District
By Lindsey Coulter
TAHOLAH, Wash. — Taholah School District marked a historic milestone on Nov. 14, when community members, families, students, and partners gathered to celebrate the official groundbreaking for the district’s new 75,000-square-foot K-12 school, which upon completion will serve 250 students.
The event began with an offering and blessing of the land, followed by honoring the contributions that made the project possible. Traditional blankets and necklaces made by students were presented to key Quinault Indian Nation members as well as to the legislators, organizers, planners, architects and project team members.
“This project shows what’s possible when schools and communities work together,” said Superintendent Dr. Herman J. Lartigue Jr. in a statement at the groundbreaking ceremony. “The Quinault Indian Nation has leased the land for this new school. We’re grateful for their partnership and for the state’s support. Our students will learn in a building that keeps them safe.”
The current school sits in the community’s lower village, an area vulnerable to flooding, earthquakes and tsunamis. The state named the replacement of the existing Taholah School as a top priority under the School Seismic Safety Grant Program, recognizing the urgent need to move students to higher ground. The new facility will be located 150 feet above sea level as part of the new upper Taholah village development. The school’s relocation is part of the Tribe’s larger relocation, anticipating the impacts of natural disasters, which have intensified in the area as a result of climate change. Along with the move to a safer and more stable site, the new school facility will provide modernized learning spaces.
The Quinault Indian Nation donated the land, and the project is the result of years of collaboration between Taholah School District, the Quinault Business Council, state legislators and local families.
Project partners include project architect Arcadis; structural engineer Degenkolb Engineers; civil engineer Akana; mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineer Tres West Engineers; landscape architect Osborn Consulting; acoustical engineer A3 Acoustics LLP; food service designer JLR DESIGN GROUP INC; and theater designer. PLA Designs, INC.
Additionally, cultural consultant Donaldson Consulting facilitated community engagement and communications with the owner and the Quinault Tribe. This step will ensure the community’s voices are heard throughout the project and that cultural elements are implemented appropriately from schematic design through construction, according to the firm.