Residents identify Morgen Owings as Lake Chelan School District's top facilities concern

CHELAN — Community members have identified the future of Morgen Owings Elementary School as the Lake Chelan School District's top facilities priority, according to the results of a recent survey conducted by the district's Facilities Advisory Committee.

The survey drew nearly 350 responses and asked residents to weigh a variety of facility needs across the district. Respondents ranked addressing challenges at Morgen Owings Elementary above other potential projects, including athletic facilities, accessibility improvements and career and technical education spaces.

For district leaders, the results provide direction as the Facilities Advisory Committee continues its work following the failure of a school bond measure in November 2025.

"The survey results represent our community's voice in this process and show the priority they place on finding a long-term solution to challenges facing the aging Morgen Owings Elementary School," Facilities Advisory Committee member Tom Jensen said.

Built in 1948, just after World War II, Morgen Owings Elementary has educated generations of Chelan students. But district officials say the building faces growing challenges tied to safety, maintenance and modern learning needs.

Among the concerns cited by the committee are the absence of a fire sprinkler system, aging plumbing infrastructure, asbestos-insulated pipes and limited space for student support services. The school also lacks its own gymnasium, requiring students to cross a busy downtown street to attend physical education classes at the community gym.

Survey respondents expressed a preference for replacing the elementary school rather than renovating the existing building. According to the district, renovation is currently estimated to cost only about 5 percent less than replacement but would require extensive upgrades to meet modern safety and energy codes and would likely require students to be housed in portable classrooms during construction.

If a replacement school is pursued, the Facilities Advisory Committee said it will evaluate potential locations based on student safety, long-term community needs and fiscal responsibility. The committee is expected to present recommendations to the Lake Chelan School Board this fall.

School Board Chair Kim Thorpe said the district is narrowing its focus following last year's unsuccessful bond effort.

"After the bond measure didn't pass in November 2025, we're narrowing our focus to align with community feedback," Thorpe said.

Superintendent Brad Wilson said district leaders are working to balance the school's history with future needs.

"Morgen Owings Elementary School has been a part of the Lake Chelan community for generations," Wilson said. "We want to plan responsibly for the future while also preserving the traditions that make this school community special."

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media