Highline Needs a Better Plan
Vote No for Now on the $595.4 Million Bond and $48 Million Technology Levy
We support strong schools. We also believe taxpayers deserve a responsible, transparent plan.
Why We're Voting No For Now
Our students and schools matter. So does fiscal responsibility, transparency, accountability and academic performance. Here is why this bond and tech levy don't measure up.
Too Much, Too Soon
Opponents question the district's current request of $595 million which includes projects that are delayed by 5 years. The district wants $161 million now for the Chinook Middle School remodel which cannot begin until 2031. Critics also question spending $161 million on a remodel when a new build is being quoted at $172 million. Has an independent assessment been completed to ensure that such an expensive remodel will guarantee the building will last for 70 more years like a new build would? Why ask for funding now for a project that will not start for 5 more years? In these financially turbulent times, how can the District accurately predict that this 5 year delayed project is going to cost $161 million?
Lack of Focus and Transparency
With such a huge scope, this massive bond package has the potential and likelihood to be wrought with opportunity for mismanagement with both funding and projects. Critics also object to setting aside $40 million for vague "Critical Needs" without clear details on how that money will actually be spent.
Questionable Location and High Costs
A full site assessment including comprehensive traffic and infrastructure studies have not been completed for the Salmon Creek site. Critics argue that the estimation of $172.1 for Cascade Middle School could be very misleading without the completion of this comprehensive study. Further, the current footprint for the Salmon Creek site is 13 acres smaller than OSPI recommends for a building that is to support 900 middle school students. Critics are concerned that the school district may use eminent domain to acquire additional adjacent property which would unnecessarily and unfairly displace residents in the Salmon Creek neighborhood.Further, the $30 million being spent on the Southern Heights campus for CHOICE Academy will not include a library, full size gym and functional cafeteria for these middle and high school students. Why are we spending $30 million on a school that will not include these fundamental student resources?
We Need a Better Plan
By voting NO for Now, we are NOT abandoning our students! Highline is allowed, by law, to run a bond and levy at any time during the year; they do not have to wait for a general election cycle. Voting NO for Now is telling them we want a better, smaller, more thoughtful and transparent plan.
Join the campaignIf this bond & levy package passes on Nov 3, Highline taxpayers will be paying one of the highest school levy rates in the entire state of Washington while our academic proficiency scores and student attendance are way below the state average.
Better Plan for Highline critics are encouraging voters to question what the District is doing with all of the money that has been provided over the past few years. Declining and stagnant state test scores clearly show where the money has not been spent.
Bond and Levies Approved Last 10 Years
A visual history of how much the district has asked taxpayers for in recent elections.
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What Are Bonds & Levies?
Quick definitions for two words that will appear on your ballot.
Bond
A bond is a debt instrument used to borrow money for capital projects—such as buildings and facilities—with a promise to repay the amount over time, with interest.
If this bond is approved, Highline voters will pay $891.24 Million over 21 years assuming a 4% interest rate.
Levy
A levy is a voter-approved tax that raises revenue for district operations, programs, or specific purposes.