Crowd gathers to watch demolition of Everett school
Published 12:03 pm Sunday, August 2, 2026
EVERETT — Teachers, staff and families gathered outside of Jackson Elementary School on Thursday to bid farewell to the nearly 80-year-old building as it was demolished.
The school is being completely rebuilt as part of a $54 million project, replacing an aging facility with narrow hallways, dim lighting and a lack of accessibility features. The replacement building includes new elevators, wider walkways, larger classrooms and significantly more natural light.
A crowd of around 60 people huddled along the sidewalk to watch construction equipment tear off pieces of the wall as the demolition process began in the early afternoon Thursday.
Paraeducator Theresa Biery, who had worked in the building for about 10 years, said she was looking forward the new building, especially since the inside will be significantly brighter.
Any bittersweet feelings about the demolition?
“No, not really,” Biery said with a laugh.
Eleven-year-old Noah Townsend, attended the elementary school for years, even wearing the school mascot costume. (The school mascot is the Silvers, named after coho salmon).
“It was great,” he said of his time at the elementary.
Noah said he was “kind of” excited about the new building, but wasn’t a fan of the its look.
“Only because the cool, mysterious, nature-ish, cool-looking vibe of the old school is better,” he said.
Demolition of the building is expected to take a few weeks. In its place, the district will build a new gym as well as a new parking loop to get cars off of the quiet street during pick up and drop off times. That work is expected to be completed in 2027.
Claire Baker, a teacher at the school for 27 years, said she didn’t have sad feelings about the demolition.
“I’m really excited for our neighborhood,” Baker said. “It’s going to be beautiful, and I think this community deserves that. This is a great school, but it’s a little outdated. The community deserves something gorgeous high up on the hill there.”
Will Geschke: 425-339-3443; william.geschke@heraldnet.com; X: @willgeschke.
