Lake Washington School District seeking authors for voter's pamphlet statements

Lake Washington School District is seeking potential authors for the voter’s pamphlet statements opposing the two Lake Washington School District replacement levies and one bond measure that will appear on the February 11, 2014, ballot.

Election regulations require Lake Washington School District to appoint members to “pro” and “con” committees who are willing to write statements for the local voters’ pamphlet. Since there is an organized promotional campaign committee, the Lake Washington Citizens Levy Committee, the district has asked that organization to name the three individuals who will serve on the “Pro” committees.

The district is soliciting members for “con” committees for the voter’s pamphlet. If you would like the district to consider you for appointment to one or more of the committees who will be asked to write a statement in opposition, please email your name, mailing address, phone number, and email address to Diane Jenkins, djenkins@lwsd.org, no later than Friday, November 22. Please identify which of the three committees you would like to participate in:

• Con Committee: Replacement of Existing Educational Programs and Operations Levy
• Con Committee: Replacement of Existing Capital Projects Levies
• Con Committee: General Obligation Bonds

You may apply for membership to more than one committee.  Read More >>

The district expects the School Board will take final action to officially name the committees, assuming volunteers step forward, on December 9.

Background
Resolution No. 2162, Replacement of Existing Educational Programs & Operations Levy

• Provides 22.5% of the district's general operating revenue
• Funds items such as textbooks, insurance, utilities and maintenance; teacher planning, preparation and training; and athletics and activities

Resolution No. 2163, Replacement of Existing Capital Projects Levies

• Replace student computers on a four-year cycle
• Improve server and network infrastructure
• Update and add instructional and assessment software
• Maintain teacher training program for new instructional technology / software
• Increase technology support staff to support over 28,000 staff and student computers
• Upgrade classroom door locks and window shading for security
• Upgrade exterior door locking system for security
• Complete ADA handicap access projects
• Reengineer vehicle traffic flow, student drop-off areas and site access
• Replace and / or upgrade major systems that are aging, such as roofs, flooring, heating, ventilation, hot water, energy, lighting, exterior paint, insulation, and surfaces
• Improve remote building monitoring data systems and energy management systems
• Upgrade aging walkways, hard surfaces and parking paving
• Upgrade aging stadium turf, all-weather fields, tennis courts, and tracks
• Upgrade parking and site lighting
• Upgrade drainage and erosion control

Resolution No. 2164, General Obligation Bonds

New classroom space to house growing enrollment

• Enrollment projections anticipate 4,000 more students added to district enrollment in the next 8 years
• State funding for all-day kindergarten is expected to increase space needed for kindergarten classes
• New space to be in:
• Three new elementary schools, including two in Redmond and one in Kirkland
• One new middle school
• Additions to Eastlake High School and Lake Washington High School
• A STEM-focused high school on the west side of the district
• An international-focused high school on the east side of the district
• School replacements of aging schools
• Meet current educational specifications, including up-to-date classrooms and science labs
• Comply with current health and safety code
• Schools scheduled for replacement:
• Juanita High School, Kirkland
• Kamiakin Middle School, Kirkland
• Evergreen Middle School, Redmond
• Kirk Elementary School, Kirkland
• Rockwell Elementary School, Redmond
• Mead Elementary School, Sammamish