As a 29-year veteran of Everett Schools, I ask you to consider the upcoming bond for security, safety and space for all Everett students.
Parents should know their kids are secure at school. Improved alarm systems and secure, monitored entrances are needed in many of the older buildings. Likewise, adding permanent classroom space will eliminate portables that are uniquely vulnerable in emergencies.
Jackson Elementary is a gem on Rucker Hill, but it is far from ADA accessible. This past fall, a combination of crutches, wheelchairs, and knee scooters made this painfully obvious. Classes are on four levels with no elevators, as well as in portables across a crumbling asphalt lot. Two kindergarteners, a fifth grader and this teacher had to travel around the outside on a bumpy, wet slope to avoid stairs. Replacing our three oldest elementary schools will create equity and safety for all students and staff.
As we return to classrooms this fall, space is more of an issue than ever. Even without Covid-19 considerations, Everett is 1,200 students over capacity. Each new building is planned with room for significant student growth, and permanent classroom additions are planned to replace smaller, less efficient portables. We need room to create learning spaces that are functional and provide social distancing.
These past months have reinforced that all kids deserve schools where they are secure, safe and free to learn in a healthy space. Please go to imvotingyes.com to read about these and more reasons to support this bond.
Claire Baker
Everett
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