[EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a Letter to the Editor, written and submitted by a verified resident. It represents the opinion of the author, and does not necessarily reflect the views of South King Media or its staff.]

This November, I am voting yes on Prop 1 and Prop 2, the Highline Public Schools Bond and Technology Levy. I strongly believe that every child deserves a safe, healthy school and reliable technology that supports learning.

Proposition 1 rebuilds our communities’ aging middle schools and ensures critical building repairs across the district. Prop 2 ensures dependable school technology and cybersecurity.

I am a parent of two children who attend elementary school in Highline and will attend public middle school and high school here. Our family tree is all “preachers and teachers”, deeply committed to the importance of public education. I am a military brat and remember well how important the neighborhood school community was to my frequent transitions as a child.

As I have been volunteering in support of the bond and levy, I have learned a few things I feel all Highline residents should know before casting their vote this November:

  • The bond will replace Sylvester and Cascade middle schools, and rebuild and improve Chinook Middle School. It will also create a permanent home for CHOICE Academy and other student programs.
  • These schools were built quickly and cheaply in the 1950’s. They are not up to today’s learning and safety standards.
  • Planning, permitting and construction of new schools take much longer than most people think. Once a bond passes, at least two years of additional architectural and city planning occur – working with city staff, architects, and neighbors. Completing this process takes resources that require passage of a bond.
  • When the bond passes, the construction projects are phased over a period of two years. Why? 1) The district has only one interim site to house students while their school is under construction, and 2) district staff have limited capacity to manage projects without spending money to hire additional staff. 
  • Highline has a 25-year record of delivering new schools on time and on budget. Both the responsible management of these projects and the futures of our community’s kids make this bond a deeply positive investment. 

As I have been talking to a lot of students, neighbors and community members here in Highline, I think there is one thing nearly every neighbor agrees on: the current middle schools are long overdue for replacement. Simply drive by and take a look for yourself: our kids deserve better.

Vote yes on Prop 1 and Prop 2.

– Megan Gibbard Kline

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