Clallam Bay School

Welcome to Clallam Bay & Sekiu: The Gateway to the Pacific

Nestled along the rugged northwestern edge of the Olympic Peninsula, Clallam Bay and Sekiu (pronounced SEE-kew) are twin communities that serve as the "Gateway to the Pacific." Situated on the scenic Highway 112—a National Scenic Byway—our towns offer a rare glimpse into the wild, unspoiled beauty of the Washington coast.

Whether you are here for the world-class fishing, the rich history, or the peaceful rhythm of life by the water, you’ll find that "Bruin Territory" is a place where nature and community are deeply intertwined.

Local Attractions & Hidden Gems

Despite our small size, the Clallam Bay and Sekiu area is a world-renowned destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

World-Class Fishing: Sekiu is famous for its recreational fishing. Anglers from across the globe visit every year to test their luck with salmon, halibut, and lingcod. The local resorts and marinas are the hub of this activity during the summer months.
The Whale Trail & Sekiu Overlook: Our area is a prime spot for spotting marine life. From the Sekiu Overlook, you can often see Gray whales, Humpbacks, and Orcas as they pass through the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Clallam Bay Spit County Park: This 33-acre park offers a stunning beach where the Clallam River meets the saltwater. It is a favorite for beachcombing, birdwatching (look for bald eagles and puffins!), and peaceful walks.
Slip Point Lighthouse: Located on the eastern point of the bay, the historic lighthouse site and its "catwalk" are iconic landmarks of our maritime heritage.
Nearby Wonders: We are just a short drive from Cape Flattery (the northwesternmost point of the contiguous U.S.), the Makah Cultural and Research Center in Neah Bay, and the wild beauty of Shi Shi Beach.

A Brief History of Our Community

The story of our home begins long before the first modern maps were drawn.

The First People

The area is the traditional territory of the Klallam (or S'Klallam) people, whose name means "the strong people." For thousands of years, they lived in villages along the coast, relying on the abundant salmon and cedar forests. Their culture and connection to the land remain a vital part of the region's identity today.

Pioneers and Industry

In the late 1800s, European settlers arrived, drawn by the massive old-growth forests and the teeming waters. Sekiu was founded in 1879 by J.A. Martin as a site for a salmon cannery. Meanwhile, Clallam Bay grew into a bustling steamboat stop and a center for leather tanning and logging.

The Era of Timber and Rails

In the early 20th century, logging became the heartbeat of the community. Massive railroad operations, like those of the Goodyear Logging Company and later Rayonier, moved timber from the deep woods to the bay, where logs were boomed and towed to mills.

Today

As the logging era shifted, Clallam Bay and Sekiu evolved into the peaceful, tourism-friendly communities they are today. While our tools have changed from crosscut saws to fishing rods, our reliance on the natural beauty of the "West End" remains the same.

The Clallam Bay School is part of the Cape Flattery School District #401. In Washington State, school funding typically comes from two local sources: Bonds (for building/construction) and Levies (for learning/operations).

While the term "bond" is often used generally by the community, Clallam Bay has historically relied heavily on multi-year levies to fund major projects, including recent discussions regarding the restructuring of the school facility.

1. What is the funding used for?

Funding for Clallam Bay School is generally split into two categories:

Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O): This "learning levy" covers the gap between state funding and the actual cost of running the school. It pays for things like athletics, music, extracurricular clubs, and extra teaching staff.
Capital Projects & Facilities: Recent community initiatives (such as the "Clallam Bay Restructuring" project) focus on modernizing aging infrastructure. This includes repairing roofs, updating HVAC systems, and potentially consolidating facilities to better serve the current student population in the face of declining enrollment.

2. Community Impact

The bond or levy impacts the Clallam Bay community in several key ways:

Property Taxes: Funding is generated through a property tax. For example, a previous 5-year levy for the district was set at approximately $2.62 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
Student Opportunity: Without these local funds, the district would be forced to cut "non-basic" education programs, such as sports, drama, and advanced electives.
Real Estate & Economy: Well-funded schools are a primary driver of local property values and help attract families to the area, supporting the local economy.

3. Rotation and Renewal Frequency

School funding measures are not permanent; they must be regularly approved by voters to continue.

Type	Typical Rotation	Purpose
Levy	Every 2 to 5 years	Day-to-day operations and minor repairs.
Bond	Every 15 to 20+ years	Large-scale construction (e.g., building a new school).