Six South Sound school districts are among 22 statewide that will share more than $150 million to renovate or build new schools.

Coupled with local voters’ contribution of $434 million, more than $584 million will be pumped into the economy for the projects, according to state Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn.

“With the economy struggling, this money will be a great help,” Dorn said in a news release. “Not only will it benefit children who need new and remodeled schools, it will help local economies and maybe even create jobs.”

School districts must have passed a local bond, and apply to Dorn’s office to receive the matching funds. The amount of funding a project receives depends on a variety of factors.

Here are South Sound projects receiving the state funds:

Bethel School District

 • $21 million for Spanaway Lake High School. Construction is under way on the $38.5 million project and slated for completion by September 2010. The project will upgrade the existing school, create more science classrooms, and expand the gym, kitchen and commons.

Eatonville School District

 • $600,556 for an addition to Eatonville Middle School. The district recently awarded the $3 million-plus-taxes contract for construction, which is slated to be done in August 2010. Project will include reroofing, new teaching space for science, physical education, career technical instruction, special education and expansion of restrooms, locker rooms and a media room.

Federal Way School District

 • $5.38 million for Panther Lake Elementary replacement. The new $17.5 million building to open in September.

 • $5.35 million for Valhalla Elementary School replacement. The new $17.5 million building to open in September.

 • $10.25 million Lakota Middle School replacement. New $34 million school to open in fall 2010.

North Thurston Public Schools

 • $6.74 million for Chinook Middle School addition and modernization.

Sumner School District

 • $5.6 million for Victor Falls Elementary School modernization, Construction of the new $16 million building has begun, and is slated to be done by September 2010.

 • $7.39 million for Lakeridge Middle School replacement. Construction of the $35 million project is under way, and slated to be complete by September 2010.

University Place School District

 • $3 million for replacement of main gym at Curtis High School. Construction started on the $13.5 million project in March and is slated for completion in February 2010. The school’s existing auxiliary gym will receive minor upgrades and be incorporated into the new gym’s construction.

Debby Abe: 253-597-8694

debby.abe@thenewstribune.com

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