MARYSVILLE, Wash. -- In January, Marysville-Pilchuck High School will open up a new Food Commons cafeteria, as a brand new fresh start for students after a deadly mass shooting happened there in October 2014.
After construction began on the new facility in the spring, the new cafeteria is complete and set to open sometime in January.
Photos: Inside Marysville-Pilchuck HS new cafeteria
State and local leaders have been invited to tour the new commons on December 21, but the last few weeks, students were given tours in small groups to help them get used to the space.
“The goal is a soft launch for students and staff,” said Marysville School District Communications Coordinator Emily Wicks. “It’s important they have the first opportunity to make the space their own, and take ownership of, and pride in the new building.”
The Marysville School District plans to host a community open house and celebration during the spring.
The 16, 382-square-foot building will support two daily lunch periods during the school year, and features a central kitchen, as well as a DECA marketing classroom, a student store and ASB offices.
The new cafeteria was also built to follow Washington Sustainable Schools Protocol; the building maximizes use of natural light and is equipped with LED lighting. It's also designed to reduce energy consumption by 15 percent and water use by 25 percent.
The Legislature set aside $5 million for the cafeteria and commons early in 2015, and the district received another $2.5 million in matching funds from the state.
