The schools to be improved are located throughout the District. Bond proceeds will construct classrooms, libraries, gymnasiums, multi-purpose rooms, and support areas. Health and safety improvements, telecommunications and computer technology improvements, and upgrades to Memorial Field will be included.

Without voter approval, there would be no funds to pay for the intended improvements to school facilities. As a result, the needed school improvements would not be possible. Failure to approve the $297,500,000 bond would result in the loss of an estimated additional $58,000,000 of state matching funds to the District.

The bonds would mature within 20 years after the date of issue. They would be paid by annual property taxes in excess of regular property taxes, estimated increase to be $1.99 per $1,000 of assessed valuation or $298.50 per year for a $150,000 house.

Exemptions from taxes for the bonds may be available to homeowners who are 61 years of age or older, or are disabled, and who meet income requirements set by state law.

STATEMENT FOR

The Highline School District is at a difficult crossroad. While our academic scores have improved, our schools, many built in the 1950's to accommodate the baby boom, have deteriorated. To continue the educational excellence that is vital to the future of our children and community, we need to step up to the basic needs of our aging schools. The last time we voted to repair schools was in 1986. Since 1998, the district has spent more than $10 million dollars to remove asbestos and mold, repair sewer lines, and patch leaking roofs in school buildings originally designed to last only 20 years. Our children deserve far better - a safe and healthy environment in which to learn. The school board, after extensive citizen input, voted unanimously to support a $297.5 million bond to rebuild 10 schools, upgrade 6 more, renovate the stadium that is shared by all the high schools, and to create a $6 million maintenance fund for future emergency repairs. Quality schools are the cornerstone for safe and desirable neighborhoods. A YES vote safeguards your home value and invests in education. If this were your house, you'd fix it. These are our schools, let's do the same.

REBUTTAL OF STATEMENT AGAINST

Arguments against this bond are the same that have been used every year. We appreciate the concerns with increased taxes: we also pay them. But 14 years without passing a bond is costing the District instructional money. We're not asking for fancy computers on every desk, just 80 fewer portables. It's not about posh classrooms, just healthy, safe schools for our kids. That's what this bond will get you. Please vote to fix our schools.