As a part of a pilot project orchestrated by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the South Whidbey School District is developing a hazard mitigation plan in hopes of receiving funding for preventative repairs from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The plan addresses each of the five major natural hazards that pose a “significant threat” in the South Whidbey area, according to the executive summary produced by facilities and maintenance director Brian Miller.

These hazards are wildland urban interface fires, landslides, tsunamis, earthquakes and volcanic activity. Earthquakes posed the greatest risk to all South Whidbey facilities, according to Miller.

“This is not a surprise,” Superintendent Jo Moccia said. “It’s something the board has talked about for years.”

At a school board workshop Wednesday evening, Miller explained that the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction assembled the draft plan to help school districts better understand natural disasters, their potential impact and preventative measures.

The South Whidbey School District is one of 20 districts statewide to participate in the project.

As a part of the plan development, the school district sought responses from the community via a poll. Thus far, 47 community members have responded. Miller said that each of the responses has been in line with his own assessments and that of a group of consultants.

The poll will be open until Friday, Feb. 20.