I had the privilege of working alongside fellow parents and school district staff members, on a committee formed to solve overcrowding at Mount Si High School. We ultimately recommended that Snoqualmie Middle School be made part of the high school as a Freshman Learning Center.

The solution will solve the long-standing overcrowding issue at our high school. As a parent of two middle-school students, I am very excited by the programming enhancements already underway at the high school. The Freshman Learning Center will create even more opportunities to support all freshman students as they start their high school experience.

Snoqualmie Middle School will become the Freshman Learning Center in the fall of 2013. It is essential that our district retains three middle schools for our children aged 11-15 (sixth through eighth grade). Today, my children benefit greatly from the current enrollment numbers of three middle schools: smaller class sizes, and more time and attention from their teachers as needed. I stand firmly behind the need for three middle schools for the quality of our children’s education and preparation for high school.

Overcrowding in our schools is a fact and an issue that must be solved now. The plan for a Freshman Learning Center and the proposed bond to build a third middle school is a cost-effective, creative, and smart solution to our district’s overcrowding. The plan fully utilizes existing school buildings and resources to minimize operating costs in the future. Ultimately, this solution supports enrollment growth and long-term facility needs for the next 20 years for the middle and high schools in our district.

This solution retains the benefits of a single, comprehensive high school with a broad range of program options for students. Passing the bond and building a third middle school would maintain the preferred learning environment for our students as we prepare them for high school. This plan benefits all kids within the Valley and better prepares our students for the future. Please join me by voting “yes” to pass the bond solving overcrowding issues and maintaining three middle schools.

Brent Lutz

Snoqualmie