UPDATED: School Board Meeting News

It's possible but not confirmed the Board may put bond & levy measures on the ballot later this year or next. 

In the March 5th Board meeting comment period Martha DeAmicis, a very active parent on the 2017 Bond Committee, recommended 5 actions the district could take to improve the chances of approving a bond / levy measure if put on the ballot:  

1) The superintendents go on a "listening tour" to ask for feedback.
2)  Conduct an online survey to obtain anonymous feedback.
3)  Convene  a community committee advisory group composed of non-parents to listen to concerns; and so they can have insight into the intricacies of passing bond measures.  
4)  Meet with elected and community leaders for feedback.
5)  Create a task force of stakeholders to come up with a plan.

Martha recommended adding as much student space/dollar and investing in safety.  She prefers creating more Choice school space so students from comprehensive schools (like Redmond high) don't have to apply through a lottery.  

In the March 19th Board meeting Director Mark Stuart brought attention to how some in the community are accusing the District of building "Taj-Mahal" schools,  He referenced the $12,379,445 Peter Kirk remodel/rebuild as value-engineered  to net $1,999,846 in savings. (The Board approved 10 of 20 construction related proposals.)  He referenced the $13,708,872 Mead El rebuild as value-engineered to net $1.3M in savings citing 8 approved projects.  He gave a caveat that inflation and steel tariffs would contribute to additional costs. Stuart summarized that environmental health and safety would not be carried "on the backs of students while sharpening the pencil." 

Board Vice President Stuart also had some questions about the new Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center partnership with the City of Redmond.  He said the Center could provide an excellent location for Academy One and Two being closer to employers.  In addition the present Academy location at Kamiakin is poorly plumbed.  Stuart asked to see the floor plan.  Associate Superintendent Barbara Postumous said first and second floors are available for pre-school.  The city leases the first floor.  

School Board President Siri Bliesner runs a very efficient meeting.  

-- B. Yoder, opinion

Source:  Board Meeting videos