Reference Librarian Andy McClung asks for your support on February 9.

Andy McClung, Reference Librarian at the Redmond Library

Opinion:  Whenever I enter the Redmond Library, I usually find Andy working hard at the Reference Desk.  He is one of nine librarians charged with servicing hundreds of citizens a day.  Andy's also involved in the community.  I've seen him at the Saturday Market working the Redmond Historical Society booth.  In addition, he is assigned to the City's land use notice board in the library lobby.

Everyone has their favorite thing to to at the library.  I like to use the computers for my work, look at the personal finance newsletters, and have studied there with my 'lunch buddy'.   Andy says the summer children's reading program is just as popular as when I brought in my daughter 10 years ago.  He was excited about plans for a new adult reading program this summer.  Their new Library Blog is awesome.  I often share their stories and photos on my blog.  Have you seen them?

We talked a little about the Proposition One levy lid-lift on the ballot for February 9.   The county library system cut almost $2 million from the operating budget in 2009 and they need to restore the levy to preserve service levels.  Financial support isn't needed just for the Redmond library -- 43 other county libraries will benefit.  Funding for books, computers, and building maintenance would be restored with passage.

The levy is $32 on a home assessed at *$400,000.  That's only $2.70/month.  Hey, I can drink one less cup of coffee to support our library.  Can you?   Thanks, Andy, for all the work you do.

*The average assessed valuation in the L.W. school district is $517,000.

by Bob Yoder

LETTER: Lake Washington School District needs to stay within budget.

January 26, 2010
Redmond Neighborhood Blog
Letter to the Editor

Every day, families residing in Lake Washington School District must make financial decisions regarding their lives. What do I prepare for meals? How do I dress my children? Can I fill my gas tank today or must I walk or ride the bus to work? Can we take a vacation? Will my children pass their classes?

This year alone I have been asked to pay for PTSA Membership, a recorder for my son’s music class, subscription to Scholastic News, school photos, yearbook fees, lab fees, band fees, not including the fundraisers, parties and gifts for school. In addition, there are sports fees, field trips, uniforms and school supplies. These amounts totaled well in excess of $1,500.00 (for two children).

As families, we are being asked to yet again provide more money for a School District that refuses to stay within a budget and make cuts where cuts are necessary, yet continues to charge parents and families for “necessities for the education of our children”. Necessities such as USB drives for transporting writing assignments, glue sticks, and a ream of 20# paper.

I recommend that the Lake Washington School District resolve to practice what many of their families are living day to day: living within their budget and cutting back on items that are privileges and not rights. It is not necessary for my child to learn to play the recorder; it is practical to teach my child music appreciation, history and rhythm. It is not necessary for my child to read about current events with their own personal newspaper subscription; they must learn to read using phonics and spelling.

I wonder how many of our schools in the district would actually meet or exceed their AYP ("average yearly progress") if the schools and districts returned to teaching the basics instead of concentrating on meeting the challenges of the future. There will be little future for our children who cannot read, write or compute basic math problems.

Live within a budget and stop spending money you don’t have; a worthwhile lesson for all of us to strive for – including our local school district.

Sincerely,

Paige A. Norman
Redmond Resident, parent
16714 NE 97th Street
Redmond, WA 98052-3164
Paige.norman@verizon.net

Information about the Lake Washington School District levies and bond are here.

Readers are invited to submit Letters with your name on this subject.  Letters should be no longer than 375 words and addressed to redmondblog@gmail.com .   You may also comment below this post.  My editorial policy strives to attract  fair and balanced reporting of reader opinion; all Letters are welcome and appreciated.  Bob Yoder, Editor.

South 47 Farm to close

South 47 Farm to close

Last year, sales were down at South 47 Farm due to the challenging economy and then a period of nonstop rain kept people away from the normally well-attended harvest festival events in the fall.

"That was the last straw," says Claire Thomas, one of the founding members of FARM LLC and owner of the Root Connection. "It rained for three weeks straight which did a number on our sales. And everyone knows that in farming, the net profit margin is typically low. So if sales are down even just five percent, for example, it’s really hard to make a go of it. It doesn’t take much."

The decision to close The South 47 wasn’t easy, but for the members of FARM LLC, it made sense from a cost effective standpoint. read the complete story.

Written by Deborah Stone
"The Woodinville Weekly" 

Governor's budget could result in $7 million cuts again this year for LWSD

Governor’s budget could result in $7 million cuts again this year for Lake Washington School District

Redmond, Wash. – The Governor’s proposed 2010 supplemental state budget could reduce revenue by an amount similar to last year’s budget shortfall. 

A second budget, based on new tax revenues and federal funds, was recently proposed by the governor. The total impact on LWSD if the governor’s second budget were to be implemented would be $7.4 million.
The largest cuts in the governor’s proposed budget come in areas that impact class size. complete story

By Kathryn Reith, Communications Director, LWSD
kreith@lwsd.org

Comment:   Don't forget to mail in your ballot on the LWSD levys and bond  by February 9.

Cirque du Soleil returns to Marymoor in June; tickets on sale Sunday

Cirque du Soleil returns to Marymoor in June; tickets on sale Sunday

"The top international attraction Cirque du Soleil returns to the Seattle area this summer, right on cue, to pitch its Grand Chapiteau tent and perform its show 'Kooza' at Marymoor Park in Redmond.

The limited engagement runs June 3-27, but the company often extends its runs due to ticket demand.

Tickets go on sale Sunday." complete story

By Misha Berson
"Seattle Times theater critic"

L.W. School District has "Board Certified" teachers! Should you want to know their names?

Updated:  Physicians attaining the highest standard in their profession are considered "Board Certified".  Many people look for this credential when selecting a doctor.

Did you know professional teachers get Board Certified, too?   Yep!   Had I known this before, I'd make a point to sign up my child to their classes when possible.  Washington School District students are lucky.  The district has 135 full time Board Certified teachers - the 4th highest number in the state! 

During the January 11 School Board meeting, forty new Lake Washington district teachers from the Class of 2010 were awarded "Board Certification", by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.  Almost 10% of all L.W. professional teachers in the district are now certified.

It was thrilling to hear two of  my daughter's teachers recognized during the award ceremony - Ms. Shannon Leonard and Ms. Mary Marsh!!    I remember Lexie contributing some Bio-Chem research homework for Ms. Marsh's University of Washington board project.  Under Ms. Leonard's tutelage and from their close relationship since 6th grade, Lexie discovered a love for teaching.

The certificate training program lasts one year and takes up to 600 hours of work.  Teachers get a $2500 loan from the District to pay for the program.  Teachers must pay off the loan at completion.  Administration supports the program with district staff and grants "release days".

THE BOTTOM LINE:   Students, and especially those with high needs, respond favorably to Board Certified teachers.  It's been extrapolated that students taught by Certified teachers gain the equivalent of twenty additional school days in a year.  Do you know which teachers are Board Certified in your kid's school? 

by Bob Yoder
source:  LWSD video archives, January 11, School Board Meeting.

Building is picking up for Rick Burnstead,Inc and Camwest Development.

Updated (1/25):  Rick Burnstead's CAMERON PLACE natural open space (on the left) and Camwest Development's HAZELWOOD entrance and  partial view of the stormwater wetland facility (on the right). Click pics to enlarge.

OPINION:  This is my review of  three North Redmond  Burnstead, Camwest and Buchan developments on NE 116th Street and my evaluation of their financial soundness.  Disclaimer:  My family has lived for 24 years in a Burnstead tri-level, within walking distance to three Lake Washington District schools.

The local construction industry has been in a depression since the financial meltdown.  Even established local companies like Buchan, Camwest, and Burnstead have put off building.  You can almost tell a developers' financial health  by the progress of their construction.

Take a drive down NE 116th Street in North Redmond looking south and you will see.   Building has been delayed on Cameron Place, Hazelwood, and Sequoia developments, but Bucan appears to be hit the most.

• Buchan's fourteen lot SEQUOIA project is advertised for the summer 2010.  No foundations are poured.   It's not even listed on their website.  They've invested heavily in utility and stormwater infrastructure. As a buyer, I would question their financial situation.
• Clearing and grading of Camwest Development's HAZELWOOD was completed many months ago and building on this large parcel is finally underway.  Camwest's website lists six homes for sale (2000-2100sf, mid-$500's) with construction for the six to be completed by April and May.   The parcel has 76 lots; less than 10% are up for sale.  None are completed.        
• Rick Burnstead's thirteen home CAMERON PLACE community is moving along well.  Considering the economy, these 2800- 3000 sf  homes (high $600's) are selling at a fast clip.  Only six remain.  Burnstead has not had to compromise on quality of construction and landscaping like some other developers.  If I were buying, I'd  feel pretty secure that Rick Burnstead, Inc. is financially sound. 

My next piece is about about CAMERON PLACE'S creative landscaping and native, natural open space.

Pictures and story by Bob Yoder

Spotlight on Redmond Councilmember Hank Margeson

Spotlight on Hank Margeson,  Education Hill neighbor and Redmond City Councilmember

OPINION:  In many respects: Hank is Redmond.  You may pass him on the Power Line Trail walking his dog Dizzie.  Or find him umpiring a baseball game at Hartman Park, or touring Perrigo Heights development with concerned citizens.  One day, Hank tipped me about a black bear his friends saw at RHS.  Patti and Hank have donated hours to Farrel McWirther Park's Pony Club. 

I bump into Hank all the time.  We've met at the first Digital Arts exhibit, the Sonic Forest event, a Leadership Eastside conference and neighborhood meetings. Hank and Patti raised two children in LWSD schools; he worked the phones for past Levy Committees.  He cares deeply about our schools.  At Christmas time we always drive through their neighborhood and enjoy their manger scene and lights.

Hank's work output is phenomenal.  He has two "full time jobs" -  Safeco and Council!  Hank was recently promoted at Safeco (or is it now called Liberty Mutual)?  He was recently appointed Council Chair of Public Administration and Finance.  Two years prior, he took on the big job of chairing Planning and Public Works. Hank is also current Chairperson for the Redmond Disability Board.

On top of his regular job and Council work, Hank took the reigns from Concilmember Cole to represent Redmond to the Suburban Cities Association Policy Issues Committee (PIC) in 2009.  This is a huge job - by importance and work load.   PIC works on regional growth management issues.  In addition, this month  Mr. Margeson was appointed Redmond's "alternate" to the Cascade Water Alliance board.  Cascade Water is building a pipe to supply water from the mountains to eastside cities. 

How did Hank attain such heights of community leadership?    1)  He has a Masters in Public Administration, 2) is a baseball pal with Mayor John Marchione,  3) a four-year volunteer on the Parks & Trails Commission and 3) three-year volunteer on the Education Hill Citizens Advisory Committee.  4)  is on the Recruiting Committee of  "Leadership Eastside" and 5) was a Redmond West Little League board member.  He takes leadership positions in almost everything he does.

Hank Margeson's myriad of leadership experiences attest to his acumen for leadership and consensus-building on Council.  I'm posting his picture so you will recognize him around town.  Will you wave hi to Hank next time you see him?  I guarantee you'll be rewarded with a smile, in the least.  You can also watch Hank on Channel 21 TV Tuesday's, at 7:30pm or read the Minutes of his Finance meetings low on this side bar.  Contact Mr. Margeson at:  hmargeson@redmond.gov 

OPINION by Bob Yoder

LETTER - Must read for any parent and student considering a LWSD Choice school

The following insightful comment was posted by a reader under my 1/15/10 entry:  "Lake Washington School District has some really "choice schools".   It gives excellent advice to any parent considering a choice school: 

LETTER:  Many of these Choice schools require that students pass difficult entrance exams and provide teacher referrals before students are even allowed to apply to the schools. The schools then hold lotteries because the number of students who qualify ALWAYS exceeds the number of spaces available. The wait lists for these schools can be very long, and students are not allowed to put their names on more than one wait list.

Once a student is admitted, the requirement that "parents must arrange their own transportation" can become an immense burden if the student lives far from the school or bus drop-off point and especially if a family has an additional child or children who attend their home school. My family had a child in a choice school for several years and even with carpooling, I still drove 100+ miles every week just getting our kids to and from school.

There are only enough spaces in the choice schools for 15-20% of the students in any given grade. So for every 15-20 students who get a coveted admission to one of these schools, there are 80-85 who don't. But because the school district offers enrichment in the choice schools that supposedly any child could apply to, they don't bother to offer much enrichment in the home schools, especially at the elementary level. There are also higher administrative costs in the choice schools since the school enrollments are much lower while each school still has its own principal, support staff and facility.

When our children were just entering elementary school, we read about the choice schools such as ICS and Environmental and Adventure School and they sounded like they would be great learning opportunities, but the reality has been that between limited enrollment and excessive travel distance, they were not a choice for our children and may not be for many of the children in the district.

by Anonymous on 1/23/2010

If your family is "green-oriented" would you reconsider applying for the Environmental Adventure School (or any other Choice school) owing to the larger carbon footprint from commuting?  BY

January donations to Lake Washington District schools total $73,516,18

UPDATED:  Superintendent Chip Kimball announced donations of  $73,516.18 by groups and individuals to Lake Washington schools for the month of January.   He announces school donations at School Board meetings.  The complete donation report is found in the January 11 School Board video archive packet. 

The largest donation was a $20,000 anonymous grant to the Environmental Adventure School.  Environmental Adventure School is a Lake Washington District "Choice" school
Eight elementary schools received the most PTSA donations, totaling $36,378.  Three high schools received "Booster Club" donations for sports supplies or participation fees.  (Participation fees in LWSD are now $275 per sport per student.)   Kirkland Junior High recieved a $5,836.94 donation from Lake Washington Schools Foundation for a science grant.

Donors designated their gifts to various causes, including:  student council stipends, before-school reading programs. curriculum materials, field trips, playground and sporting equipment, professional development, library books, outdoor education, stage lighting, Math is Cool, dance workshops, and more. 

posted by Bob Yoder

Burke-Gilman Trail is reopening after landslide.

The Burke-Gilman Trail is reopening after a five-day closure caused by a landslide.

This is good news for commuters, dog-walkers and recreational enthusiasts traveling from Redmond on the Sammamish River Trail to Lake Forest Park --  The Burke-Gilman Trail should be reopened  by Thursday, January 21, according to a King County newsroom report. 


The trail has been closed since Jan. 15 when it was buried under an estimated 60 yards of debris.

The Burke-Gilman Trail runs more than 18 miles from Shilshole Bay in the City of Seattle to the City of Bothell where it intersects the Sammamish River Trail.   For more information about biking the trail between Bothell and Redmond see this TIMES article.

posted by Bob Yoder

Seattle Times announces more local news partners

Seattle Times announces more local news partners

The Seattle Times is expanding its partnerships with local news Web sites with the addition of eight more sites today. That brings the total number of partner Web sites to 19. (See the complete list, along with their latest headlines.) complete story.

--Seattle Times staff, 1/20

The Redmond Neighborhood Blog and Kirkland Views are two new Eastside web sites partnering with the Seattle Times.  I'm excited my readers and their contributions and comments will have wider exposure!   Bob Yoder