MOUNT VERNON, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Big upgrades could be in store for Skagit County’s largest school district.

The Mount Vernon School District says it’s moving forward with plans to improve its outdoor athletic facilities.

Mount Vernon is one of the largest high schools in the region without covered stadium seating. The 25-year-old stadium is also unable to host graduation and regional tournaments, which the district says can hurt the local economy.

The district’s outdoor athletic advisory committee has recommended installation of a covered stadium, ADA-accessible bleacher upgrades, a turf multi-purpose field and new stadium lightning, among other changes.

“Mount Vernon’s athletic facilities have fallen far behind those of our peer districts,” the committee noted in its presentation. “It’s no one’s fault — but it is our responsibility and our opportunity to address.”

The committee has proposed two funding options: a six-year, $14.45 million capital levy that would fund all of those upgrades and another $17.95 million levy that would include additional funds for a six-lane middle school track.

If approved, the first levy would cost property owners about $140 per year for a home valued at $540,000, while the second option would cost about $184 per year.

The committee voted unanimously to recommend the first option, while also asking the district to engage the community on the viability of the second option.

The district held a community meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 7, and will determine next steps based on the feedback they received.