Highline Public Schools is seeking public input on ideas on finding a solution for crowded and aging schools, with three open workshops set for Jan. 14, Jan. 16 and Jan. 28. “Exciting progress is happening in Highline Public Schools, and our student population is growing for the first time in over a decade,” reads an announcement. “This growth presents some challenges, and we need your input on a solution. We are now out of classroom space in our elementary schools and have no room for growth. Starting next year, the state is offering additional funding to lower class size for grades K-3. If we are unable to create classroom space, we may have to turn down as much as $2.2 million in state funding.” The three workshops are set for:

  • Tuesday, January 14 7-8:30 p.m. Highline High School
  • Thursday, January 16 7-8:30 p.m. Evergreen High School
  • Tuesday, January 28 7-8:30 p.m. Pacific Middle School
“In addition, you will have an opportunity to give input through our online survey,” the announcement reads. “You’ll find it on this page later this month.” Here’s more from the school district:
We also have a number of schools that are 50 to 90 years old and in need of major repairs or replacement. As the buildings age, repairs and maintenance are becoming more and more expensive, draining money away from the classroom. Aging infrastructure prevents us from installing current technology. We are projected to gain 2,100 additional students in the next 8 to 10 years. That’s equivalent to about 4 elementary schools or one middle school and one high school! We are working on a solution and want to get your feedback. We are considering a bond measure in 2014 to build new schools and repair old ones. We are also considering moving 6th grade to middle school to create more space in elementary schools. We are committed to ensuring every student has access to the education they need to succeed in life. That starts with providing them safe classrooms, equipped with the latest tools and technology. Please partner with us to meet this challenge.
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10 replies on “Highline Public Schools seeking ideas on solutions for crowded, aging schools”

  1. I have a solution to Highline’s over crowded schools.
    Kick everyone out who doesn’t have a green card or citizenship.
    Problem solved.

    1. I have to agree, it would certainly solve the problem!!
      Why do I have to pay additional property taxes to educate children that are not here legally?

      1. I can’t believe what either you have just said. That is such a ridiculous and racist comment! There are many young families in our community now and that is why our schools our busting at the seams. It has nothing to do with legal status of children.

        1. Latent racism coming out behind “anonymous” handles is nothing new. The worst part, Jennifer, is that those commenting before you are your neighbors…
          Joey Martinez

        1. Oops ok, Mexico is the nation. I hope you get my point though. There is no Mexican race and people who self identify as Latino or Hispanic have racial backgrounds that include American Indian, Black, White, Asian, etc

  2. Let me correct myself. The comment pertained to citizenship and residency status (in this case, those legally entitled to reside in this country).

  3. So the school district is looking for ideas from the citizens? That’s great that they want to include the citizens, however I have to ask WHY the schools are maxed-out in capacity ALREADY?
    The Capital Improvements Bond was passed in March of 2002. The scope of the bond securred funding to completely rebuild most of the grade schools and build a new Mt. Rainier HS.
    So, the HSD is saying that they are either completely out of room or almost at capacity? Conventional wisdom would lead one to believe that during the bond planning (prior to the March 2002), the district would’ve identified the growth potential for the entire district. I’d love to see the planning documents that discussed the current and future needs of the districts facilities.
    So here we are a little over a decade after the vote and with all of the projects done, the facilities are out of space?!? You factor in extra capacity (typically) in these projects, and make planning assumptions for short and long term growth. I’d like to know how the district messed-up so bad on their growth assumptions.
    This is crazy to see that many of these schools are already maxed-out so soon after construction.
    Very poor planning HSD!

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