The angst over remodelling Chief Sealth High School and building a new Denny Middle School adjacent has some good argument on both sides, but this is a simple case of the cost for anything will skyrocket if the School Board dithers.

The $125 million project was approved by voters one year ago as part of a $490 million bond issue. The ballot measure specifically said that Sealth would be upgraded, not completely rebuilt along the lines of what the district did with West Seattle High School a few years ago. It was considered too expensive to rebuild a new school, and the 1950s building did not have the historical character of the West Seattle High building.

The bond issue also clearly stated that Denny Middle School would be torn down and a completely new building would be constructed directly next to Sealth. Two campuses, just together. Voters agreed and the measure went forth. Recently the district has said continuing huge increases in building costs meant they would speed up the work in order to save some money.

But cost is no longer the major concern of parents. Many are worried that putting a high school next to a middle school could be a problem and were sceptical about the realities of keeping younger and older students apart.

We think that is a straw argument. Remember your school days, parents? Would a 17-year-old boy be caught dead anywhere near a 13-year-old girl? No way! Sure there are sick people in the world that could prey on younger kids, but these people are not other students.

Academic officer Carla Santorno pointed out there are benefits in "co-location" of schools, helping to create a smooth transition between high school and middle school.

We do, however, find merit in the argument that Sealth will only get a new boiler, electrical and heating systems, classroom upgrades and safety improvements while Denny gets an entire new school. Some feel that is not fair since West Seattle got basically a whole new school. We tend to agree.

But it would cost tens of millions of dollars that the district does not have. Will voters give them that money?

We often have not agreed with School Director Cheryl Chow, but she is quoted in the Page One story this way: "I've been elected to make some decisions," Chow said. "I will not need 100 percent buy-in, because with human nature, that doesn't happen."

Well said, Cheryl. We agree with you.

- Jack Mayne