Last week, the Snoqualmie Valley School District Board of Directors made a courageous move on behalf of the children across our beautiful Valley community and voted unanimously to put forth a bond proposition on the Feb. 6, 2007, ballot.
This bond addresses the growing student population across the Valley and is an important step toward ensuring the continued viability of our schools and our community. Board president Rudy Edwards stated the following as he addressed his fellow board members just prior to their vote: “We have a responsibility to produce great citizens – it takes resources to do that.”
The February bond proposition will consist of the following. This list was pared down through careful consideration after a 6-month comprehensive study of the issues by a 23 member Facilities Task Force who reached unanimous consent that each item is needed, and soon. This bond does not represent a wish list, but rather it represents the bottom line – these are “must-have” items to ensure we have enough classroom space for all students and that current buildings remain safe and in good repair. Read on and plan to vote yes.
Bond facts – the bottom line:
* Adding temporary capacity to Mount Si High School (14 classrooms: $3 million
* Acquire land: $28.9 million
* Build a second high school (functionally equivalent to Mount Si High School): $109.9 million
* Build a new elementary school: $29.6 million
* Essential upgrades to the school systems: $8.6 million
* Essential upgrades to district transportation facility: $5,500,000
* Subtotal: $185.5 million
* Bond contingency at 9.8 percent and bond fees at 3 percent: $23,7 million
Total: $209.2 million
In support of getting the bond passed next February, Valley Voters for Education (VVFE) has formed and is ready to make sure you understand the facts behind the bond. We’re confident that once you see the numbers, you’ll understand the urgency to get schools built, and built soon. For example, did you know that Mount Si High School is already at capacity? We urge you to take action and get involved in this important campaign for our kids. Get the facts and help spread the word. Here are two things you can do right away to support our schools.
1. Visit the Valley Voters for Education Web site often. It can be found at www.vvfe.org and will be updated on a regular basis with all sorts of campaign information. To get you started on understanding the facts, we suggest you review this Web site thoroughly and read the Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) Document – a comprehensive document with a wealth of detailed answers in response to questions collected from a broad range of people across the Valley. Don’t see an answer to your question? Feel free to submit it via the Web site and we’ll get back to you.
2. Attend or host a “Let’s Bond” coffee meeting between Nov. 1 and Dec. 15. These meetings will consist of a short presentation followed by plenty of time for a question-and-answer session with superintendent Joel Aune or assistant superintendent Don McConkey and a VVFE representative. Our goal is to hold 100 “Let’s Bond” coffee meetings across the Valley in people’s homes, at the schools with the support of PTA groups and with business and other community organizations in coming weeks. Join in on the excitement and get yourself educated.
To host a coffee meeting, please contact us at info@vvfe.org. Send your name and contact information and we’ll be in touch.
Educate yourself, support our kids – vote “Yes” for Snoqualmie Valley schools.
Kathryn Lerner
Snoqualmie
Lyn Seydell
North Bend
Dwight Miller
Fall City
Lerner, Seydell and Miller co-chair the Snoqualmie Valley School District Facilities Task Force that recommended the plan school board members put on the ballot.
