‘Your support will be felt for generations’: Officials, families gather to celebrate Salish Middle School groundbreaking

Edmonds School District families, supporters, elected officials and staff gathered outside the former Alderwood Middle School campus Wednesday afternoon to break ground on the incoming Salish Middle School. The quiet celebration featured two speakers: Edmonds School District Superintendent Rebecca Miner and School Board Vice President Carin Chase. 

“A groundbreaking ceremony is about so much more than turning over a shovel of dirt. It is about creating opportunities and investing in young people and building spaces where students will learn, grow, and discover their passions,” Miner said. She also thanked the District’s capital projects team, construction partners, engineers, the City of Lynnwood and community leaders who gave their time and talent to get the project to the construction stage.

“Most importantly, I want to thank our community. This project is possible because our community believes in public education and believes in investing in our students,” Miner said. 

Salish Middle School’s construction, estimated to total $170 million, was one of several capital projects funded by the District’s,$594 million bond measure approved by voters with 65% support.

Chase spoke about the magnitude of opportunities that a new school building can create. 

“The impact of your support will be felt for generations,” she said. “Long after today’s ceremony is over, students will walk through these doors, participate in classrooms, perform in concerts, compete in athletics and become the leaders, innovators and citizens of tomorrow.”

Construction is expected to conclude in summer 2028. When it opens, Salish Middle School is projected to serve 1,000 students in grades 6-8.