Instead of figuring out what we need and building the best educational high school possible, this board wants big bucks now and then will decide later how to spend all of it.
Taking emotional advantage of the city’s namesake school and premier location, we are set to put up yet another architectural monument that has little to do with real education.
The district cites state standards at $158 per square foot per student (or only a cost of just $69 million based on 410,450 square feet of building wanted). Not satisfied, your school board vows to spend $110 million, or $268 per foot, if you vote yes on Prop 2.
The board admits to overcrowding in all of the high schools and yet seeks to build this one to accommodate 1,600 students, while doing nothing to redefine the boundaries or ease congestion throughout the district.
This is a vote for an emotional building that does little to foster serious education.
When you consider the success of taking an abandoned warehouse and making it into the most sought after classroom seat in the district for less than $140 per foot per student, and getting us the highest academic performance of any district school (Federal Way Public Academy), does more money really equal better education? Or just a nice Taj Mahal of beauty?
Yes, I visited Federal Way High School on two occasions and had building tours each time. It is in need of rebuild. But nowhere does the district provide support for a $110 million budget when even they claim to having no idea of the use or scope.
Worse yet, even without a planned structure, the only argument you hear coming from the board is a comparison waging this levy against another vote on a bond for $110 million. They are determined to spend $110 million no matter what you decide. Without any mention of scaling back the grandiose structure they envision.
Instead, they are willing to just follow the trend of overspending for schools rather than take the lead in defining responsible budgets. I say let’s demand a clear plan that meets the needs of the district and students before granting an open checkbook.
Vote no on Prop. 2. Demand accountability
Jerry Galland, uninc. King County
