The Wapato School Board has unanimously approved a recommendation to contract with the team of Absher Construction and ALSC Architects to build the new PACE High School and the new elementary school that will replace Camas and Satus elementary schools.

This decision follows an extensive and thorough evaluation process of nine construction/architect teams that expressed interest in the projects by submitting proposals to the district. The District is using a progressive design-build method to complete the projects.  It is a process that allows for a collaborative approach between the district, contractor, and architect.

The District’s selection committee placed a high priority on the teams' ability to engage the community in the design and construction process. After a comprehensive vetting process and careful consideration, Absher Construction and ALSC Architects were chosen based on their qualifications, experience, and commitment to the project.

The District is excited to move forward with these important projects and looks forward to working with Absher and ALSC to create state-of-the-art learning environments for Wapato students.

The tentative timeline for the projects looks like this.  The PACE High School design process is taking place this fall, and we expect to break ground on the project in late spring or early summer of 2025. The goal is to have the new PACE High School ready for students in time for the 2026-2027 school year.  The design process for the new elementary school will start in 2025.  Groundbreaking is tentatively scheduled for the spring/summer of 2026 with completion of the new elementary in time for the 2028-2029 school year.

These projects are being made possible as a result of Wapato School District voters approving a $33-million construction bond request in February.