Future Ready Schools
Planning Today. Preparing for Tomorrow.
The Othello School District is planning for the future of our schools.
Through Future Ready Schools, district staff, families, community members and other partners are working together to better understand our current facility needs and consider how our schools can continue supporting students for years to come.
Our goal is to provide our community with clear, objective information about facility needs, potential costs, impacts and funding options as this work moves forward.
No final recommendation has been made for a long-term high school project. The Future Ready Schools Team continues to evaluate options and gather information before recommendations are brought forward.
WHY ARE WE PLANNING NOW?
Our schools are aging. Our students' needs are changing.
Othello High School has served generations of Othello students. The campus dates back to 1955, with buildings added at different times over several decades rather than constructed as one integrated campus. Portions of the school were modernized in 1999.
Today, the district is evaluating how well those facilities support the educational programs, services and learning environments our students need.
70+ YEARS
The oldest OHS buildings date to 1955 and 1956.
NEARLY 50 YEARS
The 600 Building, constructed in 1977, has gone nearly 50 years without modernization or upgrades.
74% — “POOR”
OHS received a 74% Functional Adequacy score, rated “Poor.” The assessment considers more than the age of the buildings—it looks at how effectively the campus supports school needs.
WHAT ARE THE FACILITY NEEDS?
The conversation about Future Ready Schools is about more than replacing old buildings. It is about understanding how our facilities support—or limit—the experiences we want to provide students.
The district's facility review has identified needs involving:
Safety & Supervision
The current OHS campus is spread across multiple buildings and portables, creating challenges for circulation, supervision and campus security.
Science & Learning Spaces
Existing science spaces and labs do not fully support current programming and opportunities for expansion.
Special Education
Some special education programs are located in portable classrooms rather than integrated into the main campus.
Career & Technical Education
CTE programs need spaces designed to support modern, hands-on learning and career preparation.
Performing Arts
OHS does not have a dedicated auditorium, and some music and performance programs lack purpose-built spaces.
Student & Staff Support
A modern campus must also provide appropriate spaces for student services, staff support and the day-to-day needs of a comprehensive high school.
WHAT COULD WE DO NOW?
A Short-Term Capital Levy
While the district continues developing a long-term facilities plan, a short-term capital levy could address immediate facility and infrastructure needs throughout the district.
Potential projects identified for a capital levy include:
ROOFS
Repairing and replacing aging roofing systems.
PAVEMENT
Addressing pavement and site improvements.
PLAYGROUNDS
Improving playground facilities.
GYMS
Addressing identified gym facility needs.
SUPPORT FACILITIES
Improving food service, warehouse and other district support facilities.
These projects could allow the district to address near-term needs while the Future Ready Schools Team continues developing the larger, long-term construction plan.
IMPORTANT: A capital levy is separate from the district's operating budget. Capital funds support facilities and infrastructure and generally cannot be used for ongoing salaries and benefits. Operating funds support staffing and daily expenses.
FOLLOW THE FUTURE READY SCHOOLS PROCESS
Stay Informed. Ask Questions. Follow the Process.
The future of our schools affects our students, staff, families and community. Othello School District is committed to keeping our community informed throughout the Future Ready Schools planning process.
Return to this page for:
Facility facts • Project updates • Meeting information • Presentations • Funding information • Election dates • Frequently asked questions
Questions about Future Ready Schools?
Please contact Dr. Joshua Meek at jmeek@othelloschools.org.