Vote Yes - Our Schools Are Overcrowded and Enrollment Is Growing
Even in trying times, our community built a long history of supporting all its schools: great schools are pivotal to property values and quality of life. Vote to maintain our ability to provide a high quality education and attractive reputation.
Why overcrowded? Lake Washington grew by 600+ students this year – that’s a whole new school. Continued growth is projected at 425+ students per year the next five years. Many schools are at capacity or overcrowded now. King County births have climbed for 5 years. Now those children are school-aged. New homes and sales attracted new families, and young families are moving into older neighborhoods.
What’s the plan to reduce overcrowding? The District’s plan makes viable room in elementary schools now, but squeezes the high schools. This levy pays for permanent space to address immediate needs, completing high school construction by fall 2012. Nearly 1,400 residents expressed preferences on solutions, concluding: 1) invest in a permanent solution and not waste money on portables, and 2) keep children in neighborhood schools, not bus them across the District.
The cost? Approximately $13/month for six years on a $500,000 property assessment.
Visit www.vote4lwsdkids.org
Statement submitted by: Byron Shutz, Johanna Palmer and Kerri Nielsen • www.vote4lwsdkids.org
