On March 14, Highline residents will have the opportunity to show support for their community by voting for the Capitol Facilities Improvement Bond. The dollars collected from this bond will affect every student and family in every one of the Highline schools.

This bond will pay for the replacement of four new elementary schools and an additional one built with state match money.

The dollars will also pay for added security to the secondary schools, new roofs for nine of the aging buildings, renovation projects at Camp Waskowitz and much needed technology upgrades including a new system for parents to access their children’s school information.

This money will benefit all that attend, work and are involved with the Highline School District. It is a win-win situation.

The School Board is very proud of the passage and the accomplishments of the district from the 2002 Capitol Bond. We have built six new elementary schools on time and on budget. At this time, Mt. Rainier High School is under construction and Cedarhurst Elementary is in the design phase, both scheduled to open in the fall of 2007.

At no extra cost to the taxpayers of this district, we are able to rebuild Bow Lake Elementary, which was not on the 2002 bond schedule. This was done with exceptional stewardship of these bond dollars and the board is pleased that the replacement for Bow Lake Elementary is now in the planning phase with the new building scheduled to open in the fall of 2007.

With the new bond, the cost increase to the homeowner of a $300,000 home is about $30 a year for four years, and then the tax rate falls to within a penny of its current rate. This is the cost of a couple of pizzas! Well worth the effort to fill out your ballot and sign your name.

I urge everyone to visit one of the new schools: Madrona, Hazel Valley, White Center Heights, Gregory Heights, Mount View or North Hill. They are not only beautiful, but also extremely efficient and give their students and staff great pride.

Community members deserve to know that their neighborhood school is safe, healthy and has the latest technology to have their children ready for the 21st century. This will only be achieved by exercising your right and responsibility to vote on March 14.

Voting yes will not only help every student, it will help every community. Please vote yes for schools on March 14.

Phyllis Byers, President

Highline School Board