Proposition 1 is a school bond that is on the ballot in the upcoming election, and it is imperative to the future of the Highline School District that it is passed. The bond covers much-needed improvements to our schools, such as rebuilding 91 year old Highline High School (HHS). As a student of Mount Rainier High School, I understand how valuable and necessary the proposed changes will be to the students of the district.

HHS’s current dilapidated building is in desperate need of this change. Many staff members have complained about the poor condition of this facility and are calling for a rebuild. Des Moines Elementary is 89 years old. It barely scrapes by under state-mandated fire and earthquake codes, a fact that the district administration has been repeatedly warned about.

These buildings are completely deteriorating, and as time goes on, their conditions will only worsen. These aging buildings are also extremely costly to maintain and repair.

Another pressing concern are the class sizes of schools in the district. Every day, local children are packed into overcrowded classrooms, because their schools are outdated and cannot give sufficient space to the growing number of students. It is well known that students learn much better in smaller classes, where they can receive more individual instruction. In fact, numerous studies prove that low class size is one of the primary factors that positively influences student performance in primary education, lowers dropout rates, and reduces staff turnover.

However, the goal of smaller class sizes is impossible unless there can be new classrooms- which we can only have if Proposition 1 is passed. The local population is increasing much faster than was anticipated. Mia Gregerson, Mayor of SeaTac and State Representative agrees that “schools in our district are at capacity right now and I commend the district's willingness to plan for the future as our student population grows.” The plans for the proposed schools include enough space to meet the need of the population over the next decade.

If the bond is not passed, the Highline School District will lose an enormous amount of funding. For example, the district has already been granted $78 million from the Port of Seattle and the State, for which we would be eligible once the bond is passed.

“If the bond fails, we will lose out on millions of dollars in matching funds that will help reduce classroom sizes,” said Rep. Gregerson.

While some citizens are concerned about the management of funds, they shouldn’t worry. The previous bond projects from 2002 and 2006 were completed on time and within budget, which reflects an excellent record of fiscal responsibility.

"Just as roads and parks are investments in the future of our community, so are our schools.” states Dave Kaplan, Mayor and Council Member of Des Moines. “We have replaced North Hill, Midway, Parkside, and Mount Rainier. Now we need to replace Des Moines Elementary. This bond will do that, and much much more."

In the interests of our schools, our students, and our future, vote to approve Proposition 1 on November 4th!

Haley Hendrick
Mount Rainier High School