When it comes to the education of our children we know everyone agrees – we all want every student receiving a high quality, world-class education in the Kent School District.
As executive directors of agencies that are significant partners with the school district, we are confident that Kent schools could provide such a level of excellence in the education of every student. However, KSD cannot do so without its partners, like Communities In Schools of Kent, Kent Youth and Family Services and others.
On Nov. 8, as an entire community, we all have the opportunity to show our individual partnerships with KSD by voting yes on the Kent School District Capital Improvement and School Construction Bond, Proposition 1.
A world-class education for every KSD student requires four elements. The important first two elements are a highly qualified instructional team and support staff. We know KSD has those critical elements already in place. The two other necessary elements to produce this level of education and successfully prepare every student for their future are a supportive community and superior KSD facilities. These two elements will converge on Nov. 8 with your support as a community and the passage of the $252 million capital improvement (replacement) bond. This convergence will result in a major step forward to assuring that top-notch KSD facilities are obtainable and sustainable.
Proposition 1 will reduce classroom overcrowding, improve safety, increase energy efficiency and provide small class sizes accommodating expected growth in the community and student enrollment. Most significantly, Prop 1 will build two new elementary schools in areas of greatest need – the Kent Valley floor and replacement of well worn, outdated Covington Elementary.
Unlike many ballot measures, school district construction bonds continue requiring a 60 percent super majority yes vote. When this replacement construction bond was placed on last April’s ballot it received 59-plus percent yes support but fell 218 votes short of the needed 60 percent for passage.
As executive directors of well known, highly regarded organizations, we appreciate the support of the local community for our work. We encourage you to demonstrate your support of CISK and KYFS in their partnership with KSD by providing the yes votes necessary to shatter that 60 percent super majority on Nov. 8.
Please vote yes on Prop 1. Invest in our kids and the shared community value of every individual child receiving a high quality, world-class education in the Kent School District.
Mike Heinisch and David de la Fuente are executive directors of Kent Youth and Family Services, and Communities in Schools of Kent, respectively.
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