Kirkland hearing is on new school

Three time capsules are rumored to be buried on the grounds of Lake Washington High School, a testament to the successive generations of Kirkland students who have attended the school on a hill above the town.

As district administrators unveil plans for a new $99 million high school to replace the 58-year-old building, they say they're mindful of the traditions and history of Kirkland's oldest high school.

"It's always been a focal point for the community, and we want it to be even more so," said Principal Brad Malloy.

The city of Kirkland will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. Thursday on the district's plans to construct a new high school immediately to the south of the 1949 building. District educators say the new high school will offer a central commons, performing-arts center and flexible, high-tech classroom space.

The project was approved by voters in 2006 as part of a $436 million bond measure. The current building is hampered by poor lighting and a generally failing infrastructure, said spokeswoman Kathryn Reith. The school district plans to hold public meetings on the project next month but has not yet announced dates.

The Lake Washington School District is asking the city for a variance to increase the allowed height of the new school from 35 feet to 50 feet. The building would be three stories at the front and two at the back.

Because the site slopes to the west and north, just a little over one story would be visible from the east and the south, according to the project architects.

The current high school is two stories high.

The new, 210,000 square-foot school would feature three wings around a central commons, two gyms and a 400-seat performing arts center. It would accommodate 1,250 high-school students, 100 more than the current enrollment.

Energy-efficient features include ample daylight; classroom sensors to automatically turn off lights in unused rooms; geothermal heating and cooling; solar panels to supplement the electricity; and durable, low-maintenance materials, said Forrest Miller, director of support services for the Lake Washington School District.

The 150-student Northstar Junior High School, which is adjacent to the high school, would be housed in the new building and have a separate entrance.

Demolition of old shop buildings and site work is to begin in summer.

Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2009 and be completed by the fall of 2011.

The school's principal said planning for the new school has allowed teachers and administrators to rethink how they accomplish their work.

"The design had to be flexible," Malloy said. "We don't know what we'll know 20 years from now about brain research or how kids learn."

Leanne Fike, who teaches video, animation and broadcasting at Lake Washington High School, said flexible classroom space would allow students to work on interdisciplinary projects and teachers to collaborate.

"Teachers have very much been involved with the planning," she said.

Residents in the Rose Hill neighborhood near the high school said the school district has kept them informed about the project through three community meetings over the summer and fall.

At least one neighbor has complained that the design of the new building lacks the lower profile of its midcentury predecessor and looks "like an inner-city school." The plan for the high school, "does not seem to ... be a pleasing addition for this existing neighborhood," said Manuel Cervantes in a letter to the city.

Craig Baughnsmith, a former teacher who lives east of the school, said the current building's life expectancy is reaching its end.

"That school is so old. It's time," he said.

Lynn Thompson: 206-464-8305 or lthompson@seattletimes.com