Manson School District forms facilities task force for long-range plan

MANSON — The Manson School District has launched a Community Facilities Task Force to develop a long-range capital plan intended to guide district facility investments over the next 25 years.

The volunteer committee of about 20 community members held its first meeting April 15 and is expected to deliver a final report and recommendation to the district by Feb. 22, 2027, according to a district news release.

The recommendation is expected to draw from the district’s grant-funded 2026 Study and Survey facility analysis, staff and stakeholder input, and community priorities. District officials said the plan will identify and prioritize capital needs, address current and projected enrollment and program requirements, and support learning environments.

During the first meeting, committee members toured Manson Elementary School and reviewed the building’s condition. District officials said members noted the school is aging but has been well maintained.

The district said grants secured over the past decade have funded several improvements at the elementary school, including replacement of some HVAC units, installation of energy-efficient lighting, video surveillance systems, parking and bus traffic upgrades, and drainage improvements.

Committee members also reviewed their responsibilities, discussed draft operating norms and participated in an exercise focused on existing knowledge, questions and goals for the planning process.

Robin Bloch was elected chairperson and Tony Zuluaga was elected vice chair. They will work with Superintendent Tabatha Mires and district consultant Wade Smith of Consertus during the planning process.

“We are grateful to the community members who have stepped forward to serve on this Task Force,” Mires said in the release. “Their experience, perspective, and commitment to our students will shape decisions that affect Manson schools for the next generation.”

The task force is scheduled to meet monthly. The next meeting is expected to include a tour of the district’s secondary campus, discussion of outreach strategies and review of a third-party facility condition report.