Marysville-Pilchuck HS to open new cafeteria next month in wake of shootings

Marysville-Pilchuck High School will open a new cafeteria known as the food commons in January to give students a fresh start in the wake of a shooting that killed four students, as well as the teenage gunman, in October 2014.

Construction on the $7.5 million cafeteria and commons area began in the spring after the results of an online survey of nearly 2,000 students, parents and the community made it clear that they didn’t want to use the former cafeteria ever again.

Related: State gun database lacks info on thousands of handgun sales

Students will be able to use the new food commons upon returning from winter break.

State and local leaders were invited to tour the new commons on Wednesday, but throughout the last few weeks, students were given tours in small groups to help them get comfortable with 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 16,382 square-foot building supports two lunch periods and includes a central kitchen, as well as a DECA marketing classroom, student store and ASB offices.

The facility was constructed on the east side of the site to connect with the existing campus.

The cafeteria was built following the Washington Sustainable Schools Protocol and uses natural and LED lighting. Heating, cooling and plumbing systems are designed use 15 percent less energy 25 percent less water.

The Marysville School District will host a community open house and celebration during the spring.

The Legislature set aside $5 million for the cafeteria early last year and the district will received another $2.5 million in matching funds from the state.