Investing in Selah's Future
The future of Selah starts with its students. That is why the Selah School District is investing in the community’s future through two upcoming capital projects set to begin this spring and summer. From an updated outdoor athletic facility at the high school, to a hands-on career and technical learning space, these initiatives will provide safe, modern, and future-ready learning spaces that expand opportunities and strengthen the Selah community—at no additional cost to taxpayers.
Read below as we share three article installments of the upcoming projects. The first installment is an overview of the two capital projects that are a meaningful investment in Selah’s future.
An Overview—Two Capital Projects Will Benefit Students!
A Meaningful Investment!
Two Capital Projects Set to Benefit Selah Students
The future of Selah starts with its students. That’s why the Selah School District is investing in the community’s future through two upcoming capital projects set to begin this spring and summer. From an updated outdoor athletic facility at the high school, to a hands-on career and technical learning space, these initiatives will provide safe, modern, and future-ready learning spaces that expand opportunities and strengthen the Selah community—at no additional cost to taxpayers.
These two projects—installing field turf at Karl Graf Stadium at Selah High School and a new Career and Technical Education (CTE) addition are more than just turf, bricks, and mortar—they represent a meaningful investment in Selah’s future. They will expand opportunities for students both inside and outside the classroom that reflect the community’s ongoing commitment to top-quality facilities that support every student.
To understand how these projects came to fulfillment, it helps to look at the District’s long-range facilities plan. The installation of field turf at the high school and the construction of a CTE facility have long been part of the District’s comprehensive vision. In May 2024, a Facilities Committee comprised of staff, parents, and patrons, convened to identify capital facility priorities for the next 25 years. Guided by input from both the Committee and a district-wide stakeholder survey, these priorities serve as a roadmap for the Selah School Board in making future facility-related decisions. Upgrades to Karl Graf Stadium and a new Selah High School CTE addition were recommended for the first phase of the plan.
One of the most important aspects of these projects is that there will be no tax increase for patrons and no new bond measure required to fund them. Together, the two initiatives have a projected cost of approximately $8.1 million, funded through a combination of existing capital projects funds, state assistance for the CTE addition, and endowment resources from the Wilbur Repp Estate. Because capital fund dollars can only be used for capital projects, these initiatives are eligible, ensuring the funds are used as intended. While each project draws from different funding sources, this approach reflects the District’s strong commitment to responsible financial planning. Detailed and individual funding information will be provided as each project is described.
Using previous voter-approved capital dollars, the District is ready to move from planning to action. As fall and winter of 2025 give way to spring and summer of 2026, the District will break ground on the two improvement projects benefiting students and the community. Installation of new field turf at Karl Graf Stadium is set to begin in early March, and construction of the high school’s CTE addition is scheduled to start in mid-June. Both projects reflect the District’s commitment to providing safe, durable, and modern learning environments that support students both academically and athletically.
“From athletic fields to the classroom, these projects are about giving our students spaces where they can grow, learn, and thrive,” said Superintendent Kevin McKay. “Safe, practical, and forward-looking facilities aren’t just investments in buildings—they’re investments in the future of every Selah student and our community.”
A Look at the Facilities Projects...
A Game Changer!
Turf Installation at Karl Graf Stadium
The upcoming improvements at Karl Graf Stadium will truly be a game changer for Selah athletes and the community. The installation of field turf, the first of the District’s upcoming projects, will create a safe, durable, and high-quality athletic space for participants, while extending the field’s lifespan and usability. This upgrade isn’t just safer—it’s also built for constant action. Scheduled to begin in March of 2026 and conclude by August, the projected cost of the project is $3,182,679, funded through the District’s Capital Projects Fund, including remaining state match dollars from previously approved safety related improvements.
“Field-turf installation at the high school stadium has been a decades-long priority for our District and represents an important investment in our students and our community,” said Associate Superintendent Chris Scacco. “It will provide a safer, more durable playing surface that can be used for athletics, physical education, and community events. We’re excited to see our students benefit from a facility that supports both performance and long-term sustainability, and now is the time to proceed.”
Athlete safety has always been a top priority. That’s why installing field turf has been part of the District’s Long-Range Facilities Plan for the past 20 years and is a key reason for moving forward now. Unlike natural grass, which can develop divots, uneven patches, and muddy and slick areas, field turf provides a smooth, consistent playing surface that helps reduce avoidable accidents. Shock-absorbing layers also protect the joints and help reduce stress related injuries. Given Selah’s ongoing field conditions, turf provides a safer and more reliable playing surface for our athletes.
“I am so excited for our new turf field because it will provide a smoother, more consistent ground for practices and games,” said Kaylee Hall, a member of the girls’ soccer team. “With a new turf field, the risk of injury from the bumps and dirt patches from the grass field decreases. That would enhance our playing conditions.”
But the advantages of field turf extend beyond safety. Its surface is designed to keep the game going. It can withstand continuous play without recovery time, making it ideal for multi-sport use. Field turf is also less affected by weather or overuse, reducing game and practice cancellations due to poor field conditions. Additionally, turf can be more cost-effective over time, with lower maintenance needs and a longer lifespan than natural grass.
“I believe that the new field turf is not only exciting, but much needed,” said football player, Calen Wuitschick. “During the season, especially toward the end, the grass on the current field is challenging with mud and holes. This causes us to lose traction and ultimately makes execution of play go down and the risk of injury increases. The field turf will eliminate these challenges and provide a steady playing surface.”
While the stadium upgrades strengthen student athletics, the District’s second major project focuses on expanding hands-on learning and career preparation.
Lifting Students Up—The Wilbur Repp Tech Center
A CTE Addition at Selah High School
Wilbur Repp had a heart for teaching, and his lifelong dedication to students will soon have a lasting impact on Selah and its learners.
It’s been more than four years since Repp’s passing, yet the longtime educator and 1953 Selah High School graduate continues to shape the future of Selah’s students. By designating funds for a new Career and Technical Education (CTE) addition at Selah High School, Repp is ensuring students gain the skills needed to succeed—no matter what path they choose after graduation.
Even while battling cancer, Repp left a timeless gift to the Selah School District, dedicating a significant portion of his estate as a reflection of his unwavering commitment to providing students with real-world opportunities. His vision aligns perfectly with the District’s expanding career and technical education program, which most high school students experience over the course of their four years as a component of graduation requirements. The program provides hands-on learning of 21st-century skills and a selection of pathways to in-demand careers.
“This was an incredible gift from a truly special man,” said Scacco. “He wanted to give back to the community he grew up in and believed every student should have real-world opportunities. He saw too many students falling through the cracks, and the idea of a CTE center was his way of giving learners hands-on skills to create meaningful career pathways. Some trades don’t require a college education, but no matter the path, the goal is to provide students with the tools to make the best choices for themselves before they leave us.”
With Repp’s gift, the District will construct the fittingly named Wilbur Repp Tech Center, a state-of-the-art CTE facility integrated into the high school campus. Groundbreaking is scheduled for June 2026, with completion targeted for April 2027. The new complex will go beyond standard classrooms, providing modern, well-equipped learning spaces for agriculture, mechanics, construction, metalwork, machinery, and welding, to name a few areas.
Repp’s generosity extends beyond Selah. He also contributed a similar gift to the Kent School District, where he taught for 25 years, establishing an endowment supporting vocational training. Ultimately, Repp’s impact on students is immeasurable.
The cost of Selah’s CTE center is estimated at $4,927,427. Repp’s initial donation of $3.65 million—which has since grown—will cover nearly the entire cost, with $4 million available to fund the project. The remainder will be covered by state assistance and projected District Capital Fund dollars. No operational funds will be used. Additionally, the facility is being designed to integrate seamlessly with future Selah High School facility plans, ensuring a lasting impact for decades.
A humble man whose intention in life was to lift others quietly, without seeking recognition, Repp consistently sought ways to mentor and inspire students throughout his career. Now, his spirit will live on in his hometown, providing students the tools, skills, and confidence to build their futures—just as he envisioned.
"Wilbur Repp’s generosity reflects the very best of our community," said McKay. "He cared deeply about Selah and its students, and wanted to ensure every learner had the chance to explore their talents, gain real-world skills, and prepare for meaningful careers. The Wilbur Repp Tech Center will carry his spirit forward, creating opportunities for generations of students for years to come.”
The future of Selah starts with students. With two upcoming capital projects set to break ground in the new year, the Selah School District continues to invest in its future to support learning, strengthen community, and shape tomorrow.
