Thank you, voters! Emerson Campus Groundbreaking Ceremony

On March 26, 2026, Lake Washington School District celebrated a significant milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Rebuild & Enlarge project at the Emerson Campus.

The Rebuild & Enlarge of the Emerson Campus project is funded by the voter-approved 2022 Building Excellence Capital Construction Levy, which underscores the community's commitment to providing high-quality educational facilities for its students.

The new facility on the Emerson Campus will be constructed to create additional capacity for high school students at Emerson High School. The building also houses the district Emerson K-12 parent partnership program. The project goals include addressing the aging facility and capitalizing on currently beneficial yet under-enrolled educational programs.

Event highlights
The ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including members of the school district administration, project stakeholders and community members. The event featured a ceremonial groundbreaking and a presentation outlining the project's scope and benefits. Speakers included Dr. Jon Holmen, Superintendent; Brian Buck, Executive Director of Support Services; and Dr. Nell Ballard-Jones, Principal of the Emerson Campus schools. Emerson Campus students and staff were joined by Lisa Guthrie, LWSD Board of Directors President; Lindsey Yocum, LWSD Board of Directors Legislative Representative; Pablo Ortega, LWSD Associate Superintendent of Student Support and Programs; and Amy Falcone, City of Kirkland Councilmember. Members of the design build team from Lease Crutcher Lewis and architecture firm Mithun also attended the event.

During the ceremony, speakers shared the vision for a modern, state-of-the-art school that enhances the learning environment and reflects the district’s commitment to educational excellence. The new Emerson Campus will provide a safe, inclusive environment where all students feel welcomed and supported. Thoughtfully designed spaces will foster collaboration, creativity and connection, helping students thrive academically, socially and emotionally. From classrooms and shared learning areas to outdoor spaces, every aspect of the project is guided by a focus on student well-being and success.

Project details

• Project name: Rebuild & Enlarge Emerson Campus
• Location: 10903 NE 53rd St., Kirkland, WA 98033
• Start date: Summer 2026
• Planned opening: Fall 2027
• Funding source: 2022 Building Excellence Capital Construction Levy
• Capacity: 345 students
• Features: The new building is designed to support innovative teaching and learning, with flexible instructional spaces, updated technology and improved building systems that promote safety, accessibility and sustainability.

Visit the Emerson Campus project webpage for more information about the project and the 2022 Building Excellence Capital Construction Levy.