By Stuart Jenner.
September 15th School Bond 2022 Meeting Report
On September 15th, 2022, the Highline School District held an information session at Tyee High School about the school bond measure on the November 8th ballot. There are two additional sessions to be held:
Tuesday, September 20th, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Evergreen High School Library, 830 SW 116th Street, Seattle
Thursday, September 22nd, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Pacific Middle School Cafeteria, 22705 24th Avenue S, Des Moines
Be an informed voter! These sessions are your opportunity to ask questions and learn about the proposals and costs. The format of the next two meetings will likely be similar to the September 15th meeting.
Meeting report:
There were four sections to the evening, each lasting about 15 minutes.
First, Highline administrator Vicki Fisher presented an overview of the bond in a Powerpoint presentation. The information is also available on the Highline district website.
https://www.highlineschools.org/2022-bond
Four significant points are worth noting:
- The bond would build replacements for Evergreen High School, Tyee High School, and Pacific Middle School, along with providing money for other capital facilities projects.
- Highline voters had previously approved bonds in 2002. These bonds are just about paid off; the district estimates there will not be a tax increase if the new bond passes.
- The cost for taxpayers is estimated at 66 cents per thousand of 2023 assessed value, paid for 20 years beginning in 2024. The total amount of the bond can’t rise, but the amount per thousand is based on the sum total of assessed value in the entire school district. Even if property values rise, the amount each homeowner pays should not rise. Sixty-six cents per thousand equals $66 per $100,000 of assessed value. So, a property owner who’s property is valued at $700,000 will pay $462 for this specific bond in 2023. Items not discussed were various assumptions, such as interest rates, construction cost inflation estimates, or other items impacting the project finances.
- Tyee and Evergreen are scheduled to open in 2025. Pacific would open in 2027.
Second, two architects from Integrus presented an overview of the buildings. They started this work in 2019, conducting interviews with various stakeholders. One key feature is a centralized entry, with the ability to have rapid lockdowns in the event of emergencies. Also, the building is designed so the community can use certain areas after hours without other areas being accessible. Thirdly, two students from the Tyee leadership class presented their hopes and dreams for the new building.
Q & A Followed.
