Taholah School District Breaks Ground on New School

Taholah School District marked a historic milestone on November 14, 2025, when community members, families, students, and partners gathered to celebrate the official groundbreaking for the district's new K–12 school. The ceremony brought together generations united by a shared vision for student success and community strength.

The celebration began with an offering and blessing of the land, followed by honoring the essential contributions that made this project possible. Traditional blankets and necklaces made by students were presented to key Quinault Indian Nation members, as well as the legislators, organizers, planners, architects, and building team members that made getting to this point possible.

ASB Vice President Nyguel Peña delivered a powerful student speech that captured the pride and hope the school represents while Superintendent Dr. Herman J. Lartigue, Jr., School Board President Jacob James, and board members showed unwavering commitment to the vision of “a generation on the rise.”

“This project shows what’s possible when schools and communities work together,” said Superintendent Dr. Herman J. Lartigue, Jr. “The Quinault Indian Nation has leased the land for this new school. We’re grateful for their partnership and for the state’s support. Our students will learn in a building that keeps them safe.”

The current school sits in the lower village, an area vulnerable to flooding, earthquakes, and tsunamis. Washington named Taholah School a top priority under the School Seismic Safety Grant Program, recognizing the urgent need to move students to higher ground. 

The new school will provide safer, modernized learning spaces for Chitwhins and their families. The entire Taholah community is excited for construction to move forward on a project that represents years of planning, partnership, and perseverance.

View photos from the groundbreaking ceremony