Template revised January 10, 2019.
COMMISSION
AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Item No.
8d
ACTION ITEM
Date of Meeting
May 26, 2026
DATE : May 19, 2026
TO: Stephen P. Metruck, Executive Director
FROM: Anna Pavlik, Workforce Development Director, EDD
SUBJECT: Maritime High School Interlocal Agreement
Amount of this request:
$0
Previously authorized:
$600,000
Total contract value:
$600,000
ACTION REQUESTED
Request Commission authorization for the Executive Director to execute an amendment to the
Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with Highline Public Schools on behalf of Maritime High School with
$100,000 in funding previously approved in the 2026 budget.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
These operating funds are to make maritime careers more visible to BIPOC communities which
is in line with the Port's values of equity and accessibility.
JUSTIFICATION
Request Commission authorization for the Executive Director to execute an amendment to the
Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with Highline Public Schools on behalf of Maritime High School with
$100,000 in funding previously approved in the 2026 budget.
DETAILS
Scope of Work
Maritime High School launched in Fall 2021 and is operated by the Highline School District and
includes curricula focused on Port-related industries, including maritime and green jobs. The
school is designed to expose students to the educational and employment opportunities
provided by the region’s maritime industry and to develop and sustain a workforce that mirrors
the diversity of the residents of South King County.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8d Page 2 of 3
Meeting Date: May 26, 2026
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
The ILA amendment strengthens several sections of the ILA by providing resources and greater
partnership between Port staff and the school to make maritime careers more visible to BIPOC
communities. Strategies include, but are not limited to:
• Specific and targeted outreach to youth-serving organizations in the Duwamish Valley.
• Expanding the Marine Construction educational pathway by partnering with South Seattle
College.
• Expanding Field Work Experiences to 9
th
and 10
th
graders, not just juniors and seniors
• Leverage Port industry relationships to increase industry participation in the Vessel
Operations and Marine Construction programs including mentorships, internships,
attending student presentations, offering field work experiences, job shadows and
providing informational interviews.
• Continue industry mentorship of 10th grade students with guidance provided on chosen
maritime career pathways.
• Regularly reflect on feedback from students, families and industry partners to
evaluate the effectiveness of maritime outreach and pathway programming, with
particular attention to barriers and opportunities for underserved communities.
Schedule
Activity
Highline Public School vote
May 20, 2026
Port Commission vote
May 26, 2026
ILA Amendment execution
By June 20, 2026
Progress report
Dec 31, 2026
Expiration (unless extended)
By June 19, 2027
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED
Given this funding was directed to a particular entity by Commission, the only alternative
proposed is to enter into a new ILA instead of amending the current agreement.
Pros:
(1) Potentially provides additional opportunity to re-imagine the partnership
Cons:
(1) Long-standing existing relationship and scope of work that was revisited based on scope
requested by commission
(2) Reduced funding in 2026 does not warrant a whole new agreement
(3) More time consuming to develop a full ILA instead of amendment
This is the recommended alternative.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8d Page 3 of 3
Meeting Date: May 26, 2026
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The total estimated services will not exceed $100,000, as allocated in the 2026 budget to be paid
during the 2026 calendar year using tax levy dollars.
ATTACHMENTS TO THIS REQUEST
(1) First Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement Regarding Partnership and Cooperation
between Highline Public Schools and the Port of Seattle
(2) Presentation
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS
May 14, 2024 - The Commission authorized an Interlocal Agreement with Highline Public Schools,
Maritime High School
March 2022 - The Commission authorized an Interlocal Agreement with Highline Public Schools,
Maritime High School
April 2021 – The Commission authorized an Interlocal Agreement with Highline Public Schools,
Maritime High School
