Sprague district receives $5 million

SPRAGUE - The School District will receive $5 million to upgrade aging systems.

The funds will come from the state biennial capital budget.

The grant funds are earmarked for repairing the roof as well as the heating, ventilation and air conditions systems at Sprague High School.

"We received legislative approval for a $5 million grant," Superintendent-Principal Ray Leaver said last week, noting the grant request itself was written by the previous superintendent.

"We are waiting for the governor to sign it and we should be receiving access to it sometime in July," he said.

School district officials are ready to begin the planning process, are waiting until Gov. Jay Inslee signs the budget.

"The blueprints, the estimates, all that was done during the grant application process." Leaver said.

The goal is to begin repairs at the end of the 2023-24 school year, Leaver said, noting officials hope to finish the work over the summer.

Hopefully, there will be minimal disruption for students starting the 2024-25 school year, he said.