Federal & State Supported School Construction Projects
We're Celebrating Two New Grant-Funded Schools for Oak Harbor!
Introducing: Crescent Harbor Elementary
Introducing: Forest Vista Learning Center
Through the strong advocacy and support of Senator Ron Muzzall, Legislative Representatives Dave Paul and Clyde Shavers, Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck and district leadership, Oak Harbor Public Schools was able to access more than $130 million in funding to support local students at no cost to local taxpayers.
In 2023 Oak Harbor Public Schools applied for two grants through the Washington State Department of War to replace Crescent Harbor Elementary and the building that housed HomeConnection and Hand-in-Hand Early Learning Center. Due to their locations on military installations, conditions and capacity limitations, these two schools were eligible to receive 80 percent of the funding – approximately $100 million dollars.
To receive these funds, the school districted needed to provide the remaining 20 percent through local funding. After failing to secure the supermajority needed in Washington State to pass a local school bond measure, district leadership submitted and received a state grant through the State of Washington Defense Community Compatibility Account (DCCA) for the remaining 20 percent.
The results? Two new, remarkable buildings opened for the new school year in 2026! These schools were designed for modern student learning. From temporary, deteriorating, and inadequate spaces, to bright, thoughtful, and inspiring spaces designed with all students in mind.
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June 2026: WNT: Community celebrates school before the walls come down
May 2025: News Release: Name of New School Building Announced for Hand-in-Hand/HomeConnection/OHVA Schools
April 2025: KOMO 4 News: Oak Harbor Schools secured funding for new schools through collaboration and innovation
September 2024: KING 5 News: Department of Defense to fund new schools in Oak Harbor
August 2024: WNT: School contruction projects receive DOD grants
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Just like any new tool, each school comes with a user’s guide. These guides provide information on the design ideas behind the school’s layout, along with insights into many of the features you will see and how they can enhance teaching and learning. Careful thought went into planning great places for learning, connecting, and collaborating. You will find spaces to interact with and ways to use the building that will help you tap its full potential for student-centered experiences. Filled with daylight, fresh air, and access to the outdoors, you will also see sustainability at work in these new net-positive energy schools. We encourage you to explore all the possibilities for your new schools to promote student and teacher success!
Crescent Harbor Elementary School User Guide
Forest Vista Learning Center User Guide