Page 8 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, AugusT 7, 2026 Environmental remediation underway at former Everett High School One-time grant funding is helping prepare the building for potential use as the City evaluates long-term school solutions Special to The Advocate E nvironmental remediation is underway at the former Everett High School at 548 Broadway as the City of Everett takes an important step toward preparing the building for future use. Although the former Everett High School closed in 2007, portions of the building have remained in regular use over the years. However, other areas have sat vacant for nearly two decades. Walking through those sections today reveals just how much time has passed: Floors have buckled; debris from deteriorating ceilings has collected in classrooms; and computers from the early 2000s still sit where they were left. Some rooms feel as though they were frozen in time; others show the visible effects of years without regular use. In one science lab, broken glass covers part of the floor while lab tables, equipment and classroom materials remain intact on the other side. The conditions highlight why environmental remediation is necessary before these spaces can safely be brought back into service. The project is being funded through a one-time grant, allowing the City to complete the work without impacting the local operating budget. The reA classroom sits empty and years of deterioration are visible throughout the space. (Photos courtesy of Mayor’s Office) mediation will help bring previously unused portions of the building up to today’s standards and preserve the property for future use. “When I walked through one of the classrooms, my first thought was, ‘It’s sad we let it get this far,” said Mayor Robert J. Van Campen. “This building has been part of Everett’s history for generations, and we have a responsibility to take care of it. Whether it ultimately becomes part of our long-term solution to school overcrowding or serves another community purpose, preparing it now gives us options for the future.” As the City works to address school overcrowding, one option under consideration is converting the former Everett High School into a middle school. The City is also evaluating the former Pope John XXIII High School property before any final decisions are made. The City wants to reassure residents that the areas ocREMEDIATION | SEE PAGE 9 A contractor works inside the former Everett High School as environmental remediation continues throughout the building. An abandoned science lab offers a glimpse into areas of the building that have been vacant for nearly two decades. A tarp hangs from the ceiling where there are signs of water damage.
9 Publizr Home