Construction of the new Tyee High School remains on budget and on schedule for a September 2025 opening, and Highline Public Schools says the project is doing more than building a modern campus – it’s also highlighting the stories of alumni and underrepresented workers shaping its future.
John Taitano
“This is home for me,” Taitano said. “I graduated from Tyee. It’s good to show my kids and my nephews and nieces that I am part of this.”
The project has become a showcase for priority hire success. To date, more than $4 million in wages—over a quarter of the total payroll—has gone to workers living in these designated areas, including many from SeaTac and the Highline region. The project has also exceeded workforce targets, with 5.8% apprentices and 22% journeymen hired from priority ZIP codes.
Women, though still a minority in the field, are also making their mark on-site.
Curtistine Billups, a journeyman pipefitter with Betchart Mechanical, entered the trades in her 40s after switching careers from healthcare.
“Walking into a building and knowing I contributed to it is an amazing feeling,” Billups said.
Melinda Ezell, a heavy equipment operator for Pivetta Brothers, shared her excitement about mastering new machinery while working on the Tyee foundation.
“If this is your passion, begin an apprenticeship right out of high school. You can build a solid career and a great future,” Ezell said.
Meanwhile, construction continues to progress steadily. Roofing, HVAC piping, and site utility systems are largely complete, while classrooms are receiving flooring, cabinetry, and interior paint. The library, gym, commons, and specialized arts and technical spaces are all taking shape.
The new school will open its doors this fall to incoming students, promising an upgraded learning environment built by the community—and for it.
Photos
Photos courtesy Highline Public Schools:
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- Looking northwest, (from left to right) are the flexible performance space, career & technical education and arts space, main entrance and office, with the commons in the background (center), and the library roof in the background on the far right.
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- A science classroom gets a shiny floor finish and cabinets.
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- Pipes being installed below the surface.
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- The library is getting large HVAC ducts installed near the ceiling.
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- Looking southwest, across the central courtyard, from the third floor of the classroom wing toward the commons/cafeteria/gym space (center). The library and main entrance are on the far left.
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- Framing is installed to get ready for concrete pours around the end of the classroom wing at the northeast corner of the new building.
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