Everett, Wash.
Published: Sunday, May 11, 2008

GUEST COMMENTARY

Community should join to support Snohomish kids

By Bill Mester

 Friends and neighbors, many of you know that I have been on medical leave since I learned that I had lymphoma last October. I am happy to share with you that my treatment is going very well. While certainly not easy, my recovery is progressing better than expected and I am looking forward to returning to the important work in our schools in the very near future.

I am writing now to ask you to support the school bond on the May 20 ballot. The proposal was developed by a committee of your neighbors and colleagues. More than 35 people from across the district -- north and south, parents and non-parents, construction experts and senior citizens -- participated in that process. They reviewed and updated the 15-year facility plan (which was developed by another large, representative citizens committee in 2003), researched current needs and costs, and carefully determined which projects to include in their recommendations.

Their recommendations came before you in March and received 57 percent approval; unfortunately, school bonds still require a 60 percent supermajority in order to pass. After the March election, the school board gathered feedback from the community and decided to re-run the same measure again this May. I know the school board deliberated thoughtfully on the issue and they made this decision for several reasons.

Most importantly, there are items on this bond that just can't wait another year. It is imperative that we provide for two equal high schools in our community. We made a promise to our students that both schools would provide a quality educational experience for all students. This bond must pass on May 20 in order for the Snohomish High School renovation to continue uninterrupted. If this measure fails, our district cannot run another bond until 2009. The contractors will demobilize and vacate the campus upon completion of the new classroom tower. All remaining work will need to wait until a bond measure is approved in the future, and will likely cost even more.

We know that we need to address middle school overcrowding in order to maintain quality education in Snohomish. Both schools are overcrowded now, and they're still growing. We also know that we are on borrowed time with our two oldest elementary schools. At roughly 40 years old, both buildings are experiencing failing systems and must be replaced. Our students deserve safe and updated learning facilities.

The bond also provides for a number of other important and valuable capital improvements that will help maintain quality education in our community. It includes technology to improve student learning at all of the schools that wouldn't otherwise see improvements until phase three of our facility plan. It also provides a pool that will meet educational needs for some of our most fragile students, provide a local practice location for our champion swimmers, and create a community space for our senior citizens and local families.

Our community has a history of coming together around our schools and kids. I know these are tough economic times. I also know that we have an amazing opportunity with this election. Due to the structure of the 2004 bond and the expiring bus levy, we can approve this bond without raising our taxes. Our local school tax rate -- with the proposed bond included -- will remain flat if we approve this bond in May. If the bond fails, this opportunity will be lost.

I also want to thank the many volunteers, parents, teachers and community members who worked hard on the March election and are working hard on this one. Your support of our kids is an inspiration to me.

You can make a difference in this election. Please vote yes and return your ballot immediately. Please remind five school supporters to do the same.



Bill Mester is superintendent of the Snohomish School District.
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA