February 23 School Board Highlights

Here are some of the highlights from the February 23, Ephrata School Board meeting. Members of the public are always welcome to attend board meetings. Meeting dates and times, board agendas and other information.

🤝$15,000 Tourism Grant Awarded

The School Board approved receipt of a $15,000 tourism grant from the City of Ephrata. This grant is funded through local lodging tax dollars and is specifically designed to support events and activities that attract visitors to Ephrata, generate overnight stays and promote economic activity within our community. The Ephrata School District will use these funds to support activities that bring teams, families and spectators to our schools and community.

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📋Procedural Action: Beezley Springs Entity Transition

The board began the required process to formally close Beezley Springs Elementary.* This action is procedural and administrative in nature. Beezley Springs has functioned primarily as a reporting entity to track and provide services for specific student populations (including homeschool and private school students receiving special education service and English language learners) rather than a traditional instructional school. The district has determined it is more appropriate to serve and report those students under a different structure and has notified OSPI of its intent.

This proposed closure is anticipated to have minimal impact. There are no staff or student displacements, not transportation or facility changes, and no additional operational costs beyond minor clerical adjustments. The district is following the required process outlined in Policy 6883 and RCW 28A.335.020. A public hearing on the closure will be held in March. A final determination is scheduled for April. 

*It is important to note, the Beezley building on the EHS campus is wholly separate from “Beezley Springs Elementary,” which only exists digitally. The Beezley building is not impacted by this closure. 

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🤖 Columbia Ridge LEGO Robotics Team Approved for National

Competition Travel

The Columbia Ridge LEGO Robotics Team is headed to the national stage!

After earning the Engineering Excellence Award at the Eastern Washington State Championship in Spokane—competing in three robot game rounds and delivering an impressive judged presentation—the nine-member team was selected by lottery to attend a national open invitational in New Jersey this June.

At nationals (June 6–7), students will not only compete in traditional events but will also be paired with another national team to complete collaborative robotics challenges.

The Board approved out-of-state travel, lodging, and participation for students and coaches. We are incredibly proud of these students and excited to see them represent Ephrata on the national stage.

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💼🔧CTE Grant Awards Received Totaling $230,000

The Ephrata School District Board approved two significant Career and Technical Education (CTE) grants totaling $230,000, strengthening hands-on learning opportunities for students across the district.

The district received a $30,000 Perkins Reserve Grant to support Career and Technical Student Organizations, including FBLA, HOSA, FCCLA, FFA, TSA, and SkillsUSA. These funds will help cover registration and travel costs for students attending state and national conferences in 2026—expanding learning beyond the classroom and building leadership and career-ready skills.

In addition, Ephrata High School was awarded a $200,000 Career Preparation and Launch Grant to enhance career-connected and work-integrated learning. Funding will support $100,000 in greenhouse upgrades (siding, heating and cooling systems, and grow lights), $60,000 for new welding tables and booths, and $40,000 for engineering equipment to support the school’s new Intro to Engineering course. These upgrades align with state guidelines and focus on modern, industry-relevant equipment.

February is National CTE Month, a time to recognize the powerful impact of CTE programs in preparing students for high-demand careers. The CTE Graduation Pathway is the most utilized pathway for graduates at Ephrata High School, and over the past six years, the district has secured more than $1 million in grants to support and expand these programs. These investments continue to position students for success in college, careers and beyond. Learn more at: http://ephrataschools.org/cte

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🏫🔨 High School Roof Replacement Approved

Approximately 10 years ago, the district completed a roof overlay on the Ephrata School District main building at Ephrata High School. While that project extended the roof’s lifespan, it was not a full replacement. Since then, staff have continued addressing leaks under warranty, which is now nearing expiration.

Following a comprehensive assessment by district staff and project architects, it was determined that a complete re-roof of the main building and gym (approximately 64,000 square feet) is necessary to ensure long-term protection of the facility. The Board selected Design West Architects to develop a scope of services and fee proposal to support the bid process this spring, with hopes of completing the project before the 2026–27 school year.

Based on comparable projects at $30–$35 per square foot, preliminary construction costs are estimated between $1.9 and $2.2 million plus sales tax. Funding will come from the district’s capital budget and fund balance. If 2022 Capital Levy funds remain after voter-approved projects are completed, those funds could also be applied to this project. A public hearing would be held prior to any such action to gather community input.

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📘Ephrata School District Open Doors Program Takes Shape

The Ephrata School Board received an update on Open Doors Ephrata, a new program designed to help students ages 16-21 who have fallen behind in credits or stepped away from high school. The goal is to reconnect students to education and give them a clear path to finish their diploma or earn a GED.

Open Doors Ephrata will offer flexible learning options, including online and in-person coursework, along with strong support from counselors, social workers, migrant program specialists and other district staff. A Re-engagement Specialist has been hired through a $75,000 state grant to coordinate services and provide one-on-one guidance for participating students.

District staff  are now finalizing procedures and preparing to enroll students. The district also plans to apply to become an official GED testing center. This work reflects the district ongoing commitment to ensuring every student has access to meaningful opportunities and the support needed to reach graduation and beyond.

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📅2026–27 & 2027–28 School Calendars Approved

The Board of Directors approved the recommendation of the District Calendar Committee, officially adopting school calendars for the 2026–27 and 2027–28 school years.

Staff are finalizing additional dates — including conference schedules — and anticipate releasing the complete calendars in mid-March. In the meantime, here are key dates to help families plan ahead:

2026–2027 School Year

• Orientation: August 31 & September 1
• First Day (Grades 1–12): Thursday, September 3
• First Day (Kindergarten): Friday, September 4
• Winter Break: December 21 – January 1
• Spring Break: April 5–9
• Graduation: Friday, June 4
• Last Day of School (K–12): Friday, June 11
• Tiger Cub Preschool: Start and end dates to be determined

2027–2028 School Year

• Orientation: August 30–31
• First Day (Grades 1–12): Thursday, September 2
• First Day (Kindergarten): Friday, September 3
• Winter Break: December 20–31
• Spring Break: April 3–7
• Graduation: Friday, June 2
• Last Day of School (K–12): Friday, June 9
• Tiger Cub Preschool: Start and end dates to be determined

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🏗️ Bond Next Steps

Superintendent Murray outlined next steps following the February 2026 Bond measure, which did not reach the 60% approval required to pass. The district remains committed to gathering community input before determining a path forward.

In the coming weeks, leadership will continue collecting feedback from families, staff, and community members, visiting each school to hear building-level perspectives. The Facility Study Group will be reconvened and expanded to include additional voices. That group will review input, evaluate scope and timing options, and develop recommendations for the Board. The district is committed to a transparent, inclusive process as it plans for the future of our students and community.

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🎁 Thank You, Community!

The board gratefully accepted the following donation over $500:

• Jeff Plew: $1,470.75 to be used to support sports programs at Ephrata High School.