Wednesday, October 26, 2011

UPDATED ENDORSEMENT: The Stewart - Carson race for Redmond City Council is one to watch.

For an archive of all RNB Election news, stories, and opinions or to comment, please visit this page.

Bob & Pam Yoder
Dear Friends,

UPDATED ENDORSEMENT:   We're less than a week away from the November 8 General Election!  You may have already cast your ballot in the mail; some are waiting to hear the "rest of the story."   If you're undecided about voting at all, I hope some of the election resources and comments you read here will move you to take a moment and vote.

Wouldn't you know it, November is the beginning of the flood season and  it could rain 'cats and dogs' the day you need to mail your ballot!  Find comfort!  A drive-through Ballot Drop Off  Box awaits your vote at Redmond City Hall and other convenient drive-through locations.  Just pop it in the secure, Green metal box - no need for a stamp!  The good news:  Convenience!  Comfort!  Hardly a wait.  (The Boxes close at 8PM, Election night). 

Redmond Neighborhood Blog (RNB) is not endorsing any one candidate this year.  RNB has no Editorial Board, though as a voting Redmond resident I'm expressing my personal opinion on candidates.

Make your voice heard on RNB.  Please send your comments, arguments, passion, and counter-points to RNB for publication (and take courage and mail a copy to the Redmond Reporter for the broader coverage they provide.)  "RNB Facebook Page" is a good stop, too.

Pam and I are personally endorsing most candidates on their campaign websites, including Sue Stewart, Hank Myers, Tom Flynn, Mayor John Marchione, King County Councilmember Jane Hague, Incumbent Port President Bryant and school district candidates Siri Bliesner,  President Jackie Pendergrass, and Christopher Carlson.  I hope my blog will provide a useful resource for your own decisions.   

I'm posting a series of  reports and arguments, pro and con, on the contested local races for Redmond City Council.  (The school and hospital district races are uncontested).  I watch the Council and School Board meetings almost every week and can't wait to share my observations and opinions with you.

The Stewart-Carson race is the most exciting race for me and I will personally focus on it.  My wife and I favor Sue Stewart for Redmond Council Pos.7.  The "Municipal League of King County", the Cascade Bicycle Club, and small business owners like John James of Instant Imprints all like Stewart.

Sue Stewart #7, Tom Flynn #5 and Hank Margeson are rated  "VERY GOOD"  by the non-partisan "Municipal League." Hank Myers and David Carson #7 rate "GOOD."  Joel Wright #5 rates "ADEQUATE."
On August 8, 2011, Mr. Carson wrote
"I did not participate with the Municipal League’s rating interview or their questionnaire this year. I believe them to be less-than-impartial and a complete waste of my time."
Mayor Marchione is trying his hardest to move our blossoming city forward in the right direction.  He needs the support and intelligence of an independent-thinking, balanced council team.  Please help him put it together on November 8th with your vote.

Sincerely,

Bob Yoder
Education Hill Neighborhood
Redmond resident of 30 years

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Sammamish River Dragon, By John Reinke

BY JOHN REINKE / Shadow Darner Dragonfly
On a sunny day in mid-October, I photographed this dragonfly hanging from a purple aster blossom, less than 50 yards from the Sammamish River.  - John Reinke

NW dragonfly expert Jim Johnson says....  Read More >>

Monday, October 24, 2011

Evergreen Hospital Hosts Two Mental Health Care Forums Each Month - 54 turned out last week.

Evergreen Hospital
Meeting held in Phys. & Surg. Building, Tan 100.
Evergreen Hospital hosts two Mental Health Care Forums on the 3rd Tuesday at 7PM each month. 54 turned out at meetings last week.   

I report on the local governments of Greater Redmond, WA., which includes Evergreen Hospital.  The elected Board of Commissioners hold their Regular Meetings on the same evening, 6:30PM as the Forums.

This week, I took a break from my government coverage to visit the Evergreen Mental Health Care Forums.  I was totally surprised by the high turnout to these Forums.  Thirty-seven attendees showed up at "Nami-Eastside's" sponsored program on "Involuntary Treatment." The CHADD (*ADD/ADHD) Forum next door hosted 17.  It's unusual to find this kind of turnout at public meetings, especially for health topics. 

The Mental Health Care topic on involuntary treatment was quite interesting - and sad. Read More >>

LETTER: Councilmember Allen personally endorses Sue Stewart for Redmond City Council #7.

Redmond City Councilmember Kim Allen personally endorses Sue Stewart for Council, Position 7. 

Hi friends,

Councilmember Kim Allen
I am NOT up for reelection this election cycle, but a competent and committed woman is running for seat 7 on the Council. As you review your candidate ballots, I want to share with you my personal endorsement for Sue Stewart. I have known Sue for many years and know her commitment to our community of Redmond. She’s lived here for 30 years and has been active on boards and commissions for the last 15 years. Additionally, she has been involved in other community activities from PTSA to Redmond West Little League, and our high school Drama Boosters. As a Redmond volunteer, she has covered the whole gamut from parks and trails to budget to zoning code review--dedicating HUNDREDS of hours to improving our community and helping to make government responsive to the people who live here.

Sue understands how government works and will dig deep to understand the heart of the issues and find effective solutions. She has a depth of experience in transit, which is vital to our city, and is committed to assuring Redmond's sustainability and continued excellent quality of life. Please take a few moments to look at Sue's website below and please pass the word to your neighbors and friends. I remain committed to keeping Redmond a wonderful place to call home and I believe Sue is too.

Many thanks!
Kim Allen
Redmond City Council

Sunday, October 23, 2011

2010 Key Facts on Exam Results and Education Spending for LWSD

Key Facts about Lake Washington Public Schools
March 2011

Research released in March, 2011 by Washington Policy Center, a non-partisan public policy think tank based in Seattle, provides key facts for the Lake Washington School District.  Education budgets in Washington State are at historic highs, reaching $10,200 per student statewide.

Average teacher pay in this area (LWSD) is $58,981. Yet, only 59 cents of every education dollar reaches the classroom and public school students continue to lag in academic achievement.

Detailed research and ideas for reform are available in our study, “Eight Practical Ways to Reverse the Decline of Public Schools.”   The following ared 2010 "Key Facts" for Lake Washington School District:


 Schools and Students
• Number of students: 23,142
• Number of schools: 50.

Education Spending
• Total education 2009-10: $322.6 million
• Total per-student spending: $13,778
• Operations budget 2009-2010: $212.1 million
• Per-student spending, operations only: $9179

• Average teacher pay for ten-month work year: $58,981
• Average teacher pay with all benefits: $76,675
• Average administrator pay with all benefits: $143,603
• Superintendent’s pay without benefits: $211,098
• Number of employees paid over $100,000 a year: 73
• Education funds paid as dues to teachers’ union in May 2007-8: $1.7 million

 Exam Results - 10 Measures of Student Progress and High School Proficiency
• 16% of fourth graders failed in reading
• 17% of fourth graders failed in math
• 19% of fourth graders failed in writing
• 17% of eighth graders failed in reading
• 38% of eighth graders failed in math
• 9% of tenth graders failed in reading
• 34% of tenth graders failed in math
• 7% of tenth graders failed in writing
• 28% of tenth graders failed in science

Lake Washington Schools Operating Spending per Pupil
2004 - 2005 $7419
2009 - 2010 $9180

Student Learning (Students in Washington state are entitled to 180 days of class time.)
• Number of full class days provided by Lake Washington Schools: 169
• High school on-time graduation rate: 92.6%

Summary of Key Facts about LWSD - http://www.washingtonpolicy.org/publications/facts/key-facts-about-lake-washington-public-schools

Reported  By: Kendra, Intern, Washington Policy Center, 3/4/2011
intern@washingtonpolicy.org
Washington Policy Center (WPC)
http://www.washingtonpolicy.org/

Do you want comment on this? Feel free. Or, send a Letter with your name and I'll post it. B.Y. redmondblog@gmail.com  Republished in part.  Edited by for brevity B.Y.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Redmond Arts Commission to entertain the art community while collecting ideas.

Oil Paintings by Jeffrey Corson
 Exhibit ends October 24  -- Old Redmond School House
 Items From The Audience Thursday, November 10 7-9 pm Soul Food Books 15748 Redmond Way 

Attention all artists, art professionals, policy makers and art enthusiasts!  “Items From The Audience” is a chance for you to come together and discuss the arts in Redmond.

The evening is presented by the Redmond Arts Commission and will feature entertainment, food and an open mic to lend your voice and help us all create a Redmond filled with arts. It’s also a great way to get to know others in the arts community. 

Not sure you want to get up and speak at a microphone? Don’t worry, there will also be several activities where participants can express their thoughts without getting up in front of the crowd. And for those who
want to speak their ideas aloud there will be plenty of opportunity to do so.

“Items From The Audience” is an effort by the Redmond Arts Commission to collect ideas and feedback from the community in a fun and comfortable way. These ideas and feedback will then be used in future planning and policy making.  Attached is a digital flyer for the event or for more information visit Items From

The Audience on the web or contact Arts Administrator Joshua Heim at 425-556-2316, jmheim@redmond.gov And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook www.Facebook.com/RedmondArts

Submited by Dr. Pat Raman
Chair, Redmond Arts Commission

Friday, October 21, 2011

Redmond bank robber takes the money and runs

Redmond bank robber takes the money and runs 

Redmond, WA – Washington Federal on the 16900 block of Redmond Way was robbed shortly before 9:45 a.m. this morning.

The suspect passed a note demanding money and implying he had a gun.  There was no weapon shown and there were no injuries.  The weapon is described as:

Ethnicity:  White, dark complexion  Sex:  Male    Height:  6’0” Weight:  230   Clothing:  Purple bandanna, old school Mariners royal blue hat, gray sweatshirt, blue jeans    Other:  Mustache, scruffy chin hair

Anyone with information is asked to call Redmond Police at 425-556-2546.  

By Jim Bove
Redmond Community Outreach Facilitator

What's the most important transportation issue facing Redmond?, By Candidate Sue Stewart, Pos. 7

Sue Stewart
Council Candidate Pos. 7
This is third post in a series covering the four questions from the recent City of Redmond Chamber of Commerce candidate forum.

Question: What is the most important transportation issue facing Redmond and how would you address it?

Having an effective and efficient transportation system is vital to our entire community. We need to have the ability to move goods and services to our businesses and then residents to these businesses. We will need to connect our urban centers and then outward to the region. How do we accomplish this? We will need a network of complete streets, parking management, and improved transit services.

To improve transit, we will need to continue to assert ourselves with Metro and Sound Transit to insure we get our fair share of transit. As someone with 30 years of transit experience, I bring a depth of knowledge to the table that Redmond can use to fight to make sure we have the right service at the right time. I also know what a network of complete streets should look like to enable efficient movement about town both for our residents and for future transit. Parking management means having ample spots for people to park once and then be able to walk about the community from place to place.

By Sue Stewart, Pos. 7

Thursday, October 20, 2011

UPDATE: 60 shoppers turn out for School District Surplus sale

UPDATE, 11/10 -- We stopped by the warehouse at 11:30, just before closing out of curiosity and to see if there was anything good for the pickings. Not.

George Walker - the friendly and helpful warehouseman gave us the complete run-down, as follows: 35 shoppers were lined up outside the warehouse before opening at 7:30AM. One person camped out the night before. (Confirmed by two LWSD warehouseman). Just over 60 purchases were made.

According to state law - outlying school districts and private schools get first dibs on the merchandise. Sutlan School District picked up all the netbooks and carts. Seattle School district was the number two buyer, followed by Faith Lutheran School on Ed. Hill. The Kimball piano was picked up by an LW district el. school. Most of the many remaining desktop computers will go to Mars Recycling. Book brokers will bid on the thousands of remaining books. Most of the kitchen and workshop stuff was junky and remained.

Auctions were held up until about 6 years ago (though auctions still take place for LWHS and Finn Hill JH). George said, "I hold items before the sale that I think the district could use."  (folding tables, etc.)

B.Y.



View Larger Map


SURPLUS FURNITURE, EQUIPMENT, & MATERIAL SALE
This Sale is Open to the General Public
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Preview 7:30 - 8:00
Sale Hours  8:00 - 12:00 Noon
Warehouse Annex
15130 NE 95th Street, Redmond, WA.
Goods must be removed between 12:00 Noon - 1:00 PM
Please Contact George Walker, Warehouse Manager if you have any questions.
425-936-1140
A flyer with this Surplus Sale announcement was distributed a couple of days ago to school facilites by the Administration.  There's no announcement on the district website, at this time.   I'm publishing this for the community so they can plan for the sale, too.   Share this news with your friends!  B.Y.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

LW School Board seeks public input on next Superintendent

Lake Washington School Board seeks public input on new superintendent.

The Lake Washington School District Board of Directors is embarking on its process to find a successor to Dr. Chip Kimball, who will be leaving after this school year.

As the first step, the board is asking parents and community members to provide input into what they should look for in candidates for that position. School Board President Jackie Pendergrass says:
“Finding the right individual to lead our school district is among the most important tasks we do as a school board.  We have several very important initiatives underway as a district, such as the change in grade configuration of our schools. Given these challenges, we are trying to determine the kind of leader who will best help us complete that work.”  Read More >>

State Audit triggers Evergreen Commission to strengthen oversight of levy-funded services

Charles Pilcher
Evergreen Hosp.commissioner
In early July, the State Auditor's Office gave the Evergreen Administration notice of a 2010 Accountability Audit including the Levy. 

This triggered the Board to take action on key Levy items in their July 6, Board meeting.   The Minutes state, "Commissioner Pilcher is concerned about oversight of levy-funded services and would like to see that strengthened." 

Commissioner Greenfield commented "that levy programs should be able to answer the questions of how they are making the community healthier, what is the measure and rate of change, and are they supporting the strategic objectives of Evergreen?"

Commissioner Hirt commented, "that while the number of beneficiaries is important, program effectiveness is also key."  Ms. Hirt is taking a more active role on the Levy Committee. 

Ms. Laurene H. Burton, Administrative Director,* presented the draft of a new "Levy Committee Charter" on July 19, 2011.  The Charter bolsters oversight of the Levy by identifying and formalizing the Levy Committee purpose, composition, responsibilities and duties.  The Commission was operating without a Levy Charter up until July, 2011. Read More >>

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

LW School District Administration publishes less restrictive Pet Policy.

The Lake Washington School District Administration writes....

"In order to manage the risks associated with the presence of dogs on district property, the following restrictions applies to dogs on school grounds and in buildings:

No dogs are allowed on district property between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. on any school day, except for bona fide service dogs. No dogs are permitted in district athletic stadiums at any time, except for bona fide service dogs.

*At all other times dogs must be leashed and controlled by owners. Owner must clean up after their dogs and remove waste from district premises.

Service animals and guide dogs are allowed on district property in accordance with state law. The definition of a guide dog and service animal are found in RCW 49.60.040 (8) and (24)."

-- Entire Pet Policy is here:  LWSD website, Administrative Policy, Adopted 8/29/2011

* Previous Administrative Pet Policy restricted dogs on leash after school hours when students (children) were present.  According to the Administration (10/6) new Pet Policy signs will be posted at every school after they are made.  The School Board doesn't vote on Administrative Policies.  B.Y.

Monday, October 17, 2011

UPDATED: Flynn wins key city council endorsements for Richard Cole's position.

(l-r)  Council President Richard Cole, Councilman Hank Margeson, Council Vice President Pat Vache'
UPDATED:  Council President Richard Cole (left) is retiring after 24 years on city council.   Richard was elected in 1988 after a stint as Chair of the Planning Commission.  Mr. Cole has been very active on growth management issues over the years as an Executive Board member on the Puget Sound Regional Council.

Candidates Tom Flynn and Joel Wright are running for Richard's open position, #5.  Councilmembers Hank Margeson (center) and Pat Vache' (right) are endorsing Mr. Flynn for the position.

Councilman Hank Margeson of Education Hill, is running unopposed this year. Hank has taken over some of the work Mr. Cole did on Suburban Cities Association.  Hank is smart, well-liked, and a passionate councilman for our Region.   No one works harder with such zeal and joy as Margeson. 

Opinion By Yoder
Photo by Yoder during a city council "Study Session" in City Hall 

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Is the race between Carson and Stewart non-partisan?

David Carson and Sue Stewart campaign signs are at "opposite poles" 
Sue Stewart is endorsed by the 45th District Democrats. - Sue's website
David Carson was sworn* into city council office in 1998 by Republican King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert. 

*Historically and traditionally Redmond elected officials are sworn into office by the city attorney.

"Redmond has a strong Mayor/Council, non-partisan form of government.
The City Council adopts the City budget, establishes law and policy, approves appropriations and contracts, levies taxes and grants franchises."
  -- City of Redmond website

Dave Carson endorsements, Pos. 7
Sue Stewart endorsements, Pos. 7

Posted and Photo By Yoder

Sue Stewart rated "Very Good" by Muni-League for Redmond Council, Pos. 7

Muni-League rates Sue Stewart, Pos. 7 "Very Good" after interviews

Challenger Sue Stewart, Pos 7
Describe your most important personal characteristics or traits as they relate to the office you seek. M.L.
I am a consensus builder. I am able to analyze and drill down to the core elements of what is needed and help broker a solution through a collaborative process.

Please describe, in sufficient detail, one to three accomplishments or contributions of which you are most proud. These examples should illustrate skills and capabilities you think apply to the office you are seeking. These accomplishments may have occurred at any time in your personal, professional, or public life. M.L.

"There are three contributions I am proud to have accomplished and which I believe demonstrate my readiness to serve on the Redmond City Council.

o As a Safety Officer, I am keenly aware of the importance of reducing risk and injury to our employees. The City of Redmond was considering a significant change to the building code to require sprinkler systems in all new home construction, a first in the state of Washington. Using my knowledge of loss control and the associated risks of being a fire responder, Read More >>

Saturday, October 15, 2011

What's up with Tom Flynn's "Highest Rated" campaign sign?

Mr. Flynn is advertising his "higher Muni League rating" over opponent Mr. Wright, Pos. 5
The "Highest Rated" tag on Tom Flynn's campaign sign is referring to his Municipal League of King County's candidate rating outcome.  Mr. Flynn is rated "Very Good" by the Muni-League whereas, his opponent Joel Wright is rated "Adequate."
According to the Municipal League, Tom Flynn is rated "Very Good" because he "is a skilled builder of consensus, inspires confidence in the way he would serve, is thorough and attentive to issues." 

Whereas, Joel Wright is rated "Adequate" because he "has a record of participation and interest, is effective on specific issues, has provoked questions about suitability as an office holder, will need significant time/energy to fill gaps in knowledge."

Tom Flynn's Muni-League rating (Pos. 5) isn't higher than Sue Stewart's rating (Pos. 7).  They are both rated "Very Good."   Tom is just comparing his rating with Joel's. 

Sue Stewart's opponent, Dave Carson Pos. 7 was rated "Good."  On August 8, 2011, Mr. Carson wrote:
 "I did not participate with the Municipal League’s rating interview or their questionnaire this  year. I believe them to be less-than-impartial and a complete waste of my time."
The Municipal League is "a volunteer-driven, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works toward better government in King County, Washington.  Their mission is to promote government that is open, effective and accountable, and to improve the caliber of public officials and the quality of public decisions."


"The League pursues its mission for Candidate ratings with Candidate Evaluation Committees (CEC)
Each CEC conducts the equivalent of a job interview with candidates for public office throughout King County and rates them on their capacity to serve effectively. Every year roughly 75 volunteers give their time to follow the League's well-established system of rating candidates which is based on effectiveness, knowledge, involvement and character. The results are published in a Voters Guide that reaches tens of thousands of voters."
  --The Muni-League Board of Directors:  http://www.munileague.org/about-us/board

Joel Wright's endorsements:  http://wrightforredmond.com/content.php?pg=1
Tom Flynn's endorsements:  http://tomflynnforcouncil.com/endorsements/

Posted By Yoder

RNB isn't endorsing candidates this election though, as a voting resident I'm expressing my personal opinion on candidates.  

Friday, October 14, 2011

A Responsible and Sustainable Budget, By David Carson, Pos. 7


A Responsible and Sustainable Budget

David voted against the 1% property tax increase that passed the council because he felt supporting a budget which relied on the 1% to balance was not intellectually consistent. However, overall the work done by the council is a good body of work to reign in the growth of local government while still addressing the priorities of Redmond.

By instituting the Budgeting by Priorities (BP) process, the council came up with a plan that did require scrutiny and real evaluation of the communities’ priorities. On the whole, he believes that the council passed a landmark budget (minus the tax increase) and this process is getting better with the experience of the first two budget cycles. Redmond has a structurally-balanced budget that extends 6 years into the future which few cities can boast.

 -David Carson's Campaign website

Incumbent David Carson's Endorsements, Pos. 7 
Challenger Sue Stewart's Endorsements, Pos. 7

Redmond Neighborhood Blog isn't endorsing a Candidate for Pos. 7

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Chamber question: What role should the city have in economic development? By Sue Stewart, Pos 7

Chamber question: What role should the city have in economic development? Elect Sue Stewart:

This is the second post in a series covering the four questions from the recent City of Redmond Chamber of Commerce candidate forum.

Question: What role should the city have in the economic development?

The City must continue to provide ample infrastructure such as accomodations for transit, utilities and completing and enhancing its network of roads and sidewalks. The changes coming to downtown have started in earnest, like the connection of 161st NE between Redmond Way and Cleveland Street. The next step will include returning Redmond Way and Cleveland to two-way. Combine these improvements with replacing missing sidewalks and working with METRO to bring about the service that connects us both inside and outside our community, and we will maintain our role as an Eastside transportation hub. Read More >>

Sue Stewart's Endorsements

By Sue Stewart
Redmond City Council Challenger Pos. 7

Incumbent David Carson's Endorsements Pos 7
Redmond Neighborhood Blog isn't endorsing a candidate for Pos. 7

Redmond Council Candidate Joel Wright notes his issues. Pos. 5

Joel Wright, Pos. 5
Budgeting by Priorities – The City of Redmond’s financial priorities should be responsive to the community’s essential needs, while considering existing economic conditions. Ensure transparent, rational revenue structure and efficient use of City resources.

Safe, Quality Neighborhoods – Ensure first responders (police, fire, and ambulance services) are sufficiently funded and properly prioritized to provide effective service. Well maintained roads, sidewalks, parks and infrastructure. Inspire civic connection through community service and emergency preparedness (i.e., Community Emergency Response Teams - CERT).

Strong Economy – Encourage coordinated efforts of government, business, non-government organizations (NGO) and individual residents to ensure Redmond continues as a diverse, productive community and provides opportunity for constant improvement.

Regulation – More deference should be accorded private and business property owners regarding their own property. While protecting environmental, safety and community concerns, where necessary, regulations and the permitting process should be modified to be more reasonable and less burdensome.

Transportation – Develop and maintain effective and efficient multi-modal transportation and traffic management solutions responsive to current and long term community priorities and resources. I support extending Sound Transit’s rail line into downtown Redmond to the extent the cost is commensurate with the long term benefits received.

Red Light Traffic Enforcement Cameras – I oppose using cameras for red light traffic enforcement and I support their removal after the pilot program concludes.

ENDORSEMENTS for Wright as of 10/8:  22 citizens
 
- Joel Wright's campaign website Pos. 5 
Candidate Tom Flynn's endorsements and positions on issues. Pos. 5

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

PUBLIC FORUM: Involuntary Treatment of family members needing mental care.


2011 Nami Walk in Kirkland
A FREE EDUCATIONAL FORUM OPEN TO PUBLIC
"THE INVOLUNTARY TREATMENT ACT PROCESS
BY DESIGNATED MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS"

Guest: JoEllen Watson, LICSW, PH. D
Date: Tuesday, October 18, 2011, 7 PM - 9 PM
 Evergreen Hospital, Suite Tan 100 - Directions
12303 NE 130th Lane
Kirkland, WA 98034

JoEllen Watson, Ph. D. is the Coordinator of King County’s Crisis & Commitment Services. She has worked in emergency services at Harborview and Swedish Medical Centers. As a "Designated Mental Health Professional" (DMHP), Dr. Watson is involved in making the decision as to whether or not a person should be involuntarily committed, voluntarily hospitalized or other less restrictive alternatives. In this presentation she will talk about: the Involuntary Treatment Act process, role of the DHMP, current board crisis and the increase in detention rates in the last few years.

This is your opportunity to learn more about the system.
Join us! This event is FREE and open to EVERYONE!
PHONE: 425-885-NAMI (6264)

WEB: http://www.nami-eastside.org/  E-MAIL: INFO@NAMI-EASTSIDE.ORG

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

U.S. News and World Report ranks best high schools in our area

US News and World Report publishes 2011 Special Edition of Colleges and High School rankings 

Two schools in the Lake Washington School District were awarded honors:  International School-Kirkland (a Choice school) and Redmond High School. 

International School - Kirkland was awarded a Gold Medal for "College Readiness" and ranked #8 in "Science and Math."   Redmond High School achieved a Silver Medal for "College Readiness" and ranked  #151 for "Science and Math,"

I.  "We looked at the nearly 600 schools that qualified for the Gold, Silver, and Honorable Mention lists of the U.S. News Best High Schools and then evaluated their students' participation rates and performances on AP® exams in "Science and Math."   The following are schools that performed the best in Science and Math in our local area:

Science and Math - Local Area Rankings:  #8 International School -Kirkland,  #17 International School,  #42 Newport,  #68 Bainbridge,  #76 Bellevue,  #151 Redmond High School.

II.  "We looked at more than 21,000 public high schools in 48 states and the District of Columbia. The following are the local schools in our local area that performed with the best ranking index for "College Readiness."


Gold Medal - Local Area "Best High Schools ranked for College Readiness":  #10 International School - Bellevue, #29 International School - Kirkland, #72 Newport, #78 Bellevue.

Silver Medal - Local Area "Best High Schools indexed for College Readiness":  Garfield (58), Roosevelt (45),  Redmond High (43), Interlake  (41), Mercer Island (41)  Issaquah (35),  Woodinville (29),  Inglemoor (41).

III.  "We looked at the top schools with the highest Asian-American population."  #10 International School-Bellevue, #29 International School-Kirkland, #72 Newport, #78 Bellevue. 

-- US News & World Report, October, 2011
Photo US News & World Report