The city councils located within the borders of Highline Public Schools all passed resolutions this month endorsing the district’s construction bond measure to repair or replace deteriorating schools and ease overcrowding.
If approved by voters on the Nov. 4 election ballot the construction bond would rebuild Highline High School, replace Des Moines Elementary School, build two new middle schools and make critical renovations at Tyee and Evergreen campuses. The bond would also provide technology improvements, make capital improvements to support arts education and address critical needs throughout the entire district.
The SeaTac and Normandy Park city councils endorsed the bond on Sept. 9 while Des Moines lawmakers approved the support resolution on Sept. 11, followed by Burien on Sept. 15.
The Chair of Highline Citizens for Schools, Lois Schipper, expressed her gratitude by stating “Highline Citizens for Schools is so pleased that all four cities within District boundaries have endorsed the November 4th Bond Measure, recognizing that this bond is a critical investment for our kids and our communities.”
Lawmakers pointed to two significant challenges—growing enrollment and deteriorating buildings– facing Highline public schools in their cities.Projections forecast more than 2,000 additional students will enter Highline schools over the next decade. Without added classrooms, class sizes will become larger and the district would likely have to forfeit up to $2.2 million in extra state funds targeted for lowering class size.
Student safety would also increase by replacing Highline High and Des Moines Elementary. Both are nearly 100 years old and were not built to current earthquake and fire codes. Critical improvements would also be made in other aging buildings, including the Evergreen and Tyee campuses.
Des Moines Mayor Dave Kaplan noted, “The council recognized the need for another elementary school. They understood that good schools increase property values and make Des Moines a great place to live and work. Good schools are an important ingredient for a livable community.”
SeaTac Mayor Mia Gregerson declared, “It is clear that we need to build infrastructure. We are wasting money by limping along with deteriorating buildings. We realize we are growing so we also need to build up the capacity in our schools.”
Burien Mayor Lucy Krakowiak commented, “It is critical that we move forward to support education, which is the foundation of our community.”
Normandy Park Mayor Pro-Tem Doug Osterman added, “We are making an investment in our community and in a safe healthy educational environment for our children.”
Highline Citizens for Schools is a committee of concerned citizens and parents from White Center, Burien, Normandy Park, SeaTac and Des Moines who support our local school funding measures by promoting the Highline Public Schools bonds and levies.
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