OAK HARBOR: $136 Million Win: A Lifeline for Our Schools, But More Work Remains

The Oak Harbor School District sent out this message from Superintendent Michelle Kuss-Cybula on Tue., Aug. 27, 2024.

In a remarkable achievement, Oak Harbor Public Schools has secured more than $136 million in grants from the Department of Defense’s Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, alongside an additional $26 million from Washington State’s Defense Community Compatibility Account. These funds will be used to rebuild Crescent Harbor Elementary School and Hand in Hand Learning Center/HomeConnection schools, both located on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI).

The $70.6 million grant for Crescent Harbor Elementary and the $66.3 million grant for Hand-in-Hand Early Learning Center/HomeConnection schools address severe capacity and facility condition deficiencies that have plagued these schools for years. These issues were so significant that both schools were placed on the 2019 Deputy Secretary of Defense’s “Public Schools on Military Installations Priority List,” with Crescent Harbor ranked 41st and Hand in Hand/HomeConnection ranked 49th.

This funding is not just a financial victory—it’s a lifeline. It ensures that our students in these schools will soon learn in modern, state-of-the-art facilities designed to meet their needs. And crucially, this comes at no additional cost to our local taxpayers. This is a monumental victory for our community. One that strengthens the partnership between Oak Harbor and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island while securing a brighter future for our military-connected students.

However, it’s important to recognize that this opportunity nearly slipped through our fingers. The federal grant alone was insufficient to cover the costs of both projects. It was only through the district’s eligibility for the 20% matching funds provided by state DCCA grants—achieved after two failed bond attempts—that these projects became financially viable. As we celebrate this monumental achievement for Oak Harbor, we must also recognize that the work is far from over. The condition of our other aging schools cannot be ignored. The state must take further action to ensure that all students, regardless of their district, have access to safe, modern learning environments. 

I believe our community will be invigorated by the prospect of new schools for our students. These new facilities represent more than just buildings; they symbolize a brighter future and the positive impact that quality educational venues can have on our entire community. I hope this energy will carry us forward as we continue working together to secure the necessary community supported funds for addressing the needs of our other schools, ensuring that every student benefits from a safe and modern learning environment. 

Construction on Crescent Harbor Elementary and Hand in Hand Learning Center/HomeConnection is expected to begin soon, with a tentative groundbreaking scheduled for Fall 2024. These projects will transform our community and provide our children with the facilities they deserve, but we must remain vigilant and continue advocating for the resources needed to address the ongoing infrastructure challenges within our district and across Washington State.

Stay informed, stay engaged, and let’s work together to ensure that this victory is the first step toward a brighter future for all our students.

For more details and updates, please visit www.ohsd.net.