SEPA Exemption Threshold Zoning Code Amendment - Comment period

Scouting For Food

Scouting For Food
BSA, Chief Seattle Council
Sammamish Trails District

Each year, Boy Scouts of America around the United States participate in collecting non-perishable food items to help their local food banks and pantries.  Studies indicate that more than 50.2 million Americans, including 17.2 million children, go hungry at some time every month; these studies also reveal that there are more hungry people in American now than at any time in the last twenty-five years. 
Scouting for Food is an example of BSA’s long-standing commitment to community service by meeting the needs of the hungry, while exposing its members, particularly youth, to the highest ideals of the Scouting movement through a practical and dramatic experience in the principle of the Good Turn. 
Cub Scouts (1^st through 5^th grade) participate in the food drive by distributing flyers and picking up donated items on two weekends in the month of March.  Scouts in Redmond and Kirkland supported local Hopelink locations http://www.hope-link.org/; by collecting and delivering approximately 13,000 pounds (6.5 tons) of food to these locations along with $525 in cash donations. 
On Saturday, March 30^th Boy Scouts (ages 11 through 18 years) sorted Scouting for Food donations received at both the Kirkland and Redmond locations.  This is a 5% increase in donated food items and 145% increase in cash donations from 2012.
This year scouts also collected and delivered an additional 715 pounds of food at Woodinville Storehouse http://www.woodinvillestorehouse.org/ which serves residents of Kirkland, Redmond, Bothell and Woodinville.  
For more information about Scouting, please see the Chief Seattle Council website at www.seattlebsa.org.

Help Wanted: Redmond Police and Fire Chaplains

Redmond, WA – When First Responders arrive at a call, their response can often seem routine before moving on to the next call. However, one of the most important responders to families, friends, and victims are volunteer Department Chaplains, and Redmond is seeking more.

While the title “chaplain” is often equated with faith or religion, Chaplains are more than that. In fact, anything faith-based only occurs if the person requests it, realistically making chaplains “Crisis Intervention Specialists” trained to help stabilize a crisis for those affected.
Redmond volunteer chaplains support people in four ways:   1) Practical support, 2) Emotional support, 3) Relationship support, and 4) Spiritual support (upon request). They serve as advocates by calming down those affected and helping to discover and connect them to available resources.
Although Chaplains may be one of the first responders called to a scene and the last one to leave, they spend much of their time with Police and Fire Departments personnel building relationships and supporting them through personal and professional challenges.
The Redmond Chaplain program has existed since 1985 with the Fire Department, and the Police began using the same volunteer chaplains in 1998. Redmond Police and Fire are seeking qualified clergy to be involved. Training and necessary equipment is provided for interested applicants. The application process includes attending a chaplain academy, background check, interview process, and appointment by the Chiefs.
A successful chaplain should be prepared to:

1.    Network – knowing resources throughout the area to refer people.

2.    Train – ongoing training to keep skills sharp.

3.    Build rapport with first responders.

4.    Be available; know that you may be called at any time on any day.

For information regarding the volunteer application process and requirements, visit www.redmond.gov/police. If you have questions for a current Chaplain, contact Volunteer Coordinator Nicole Rogers, 425-556-2632.

Lake Washington Schools Foundation announces May 1 "Legacy for Learning" fundraising luncheon

The Lake Washington Schools Foundation (LWSF) announced that its eighth annual “Legacy for Learning” luncheon fund-raiser will be held on May 1 at Juanita High School, 10601 N.E. 132nd St., Kirkland. The doors will open at 11:30 a.m. and the lunch and program will run from noon to 1 p.m.
The luncheon will feature Alaska Air Group President and CEO Brad Tilden as the keynote speaker, building on the event theme “With a great education, the sky’s not the limit, it’s just the beginning.”
According to Tilden, “A good education is crucial for everyone, and to be successful the next generation needs help from everyone involved: parents, teachers and the business community. In order to stay competitive in the 21st century marketplace, our young people also need better opportunities to learn science, technology, engineering and math, such as those offered by the Lake Washington School District." Read More >>

City update on Redmond Bike Park

Hello Redmond Bike Park followers, 

It has been two years since the Parks and Recreation Department submitted permits and final design documentation to the Planning Department for approval to begin construction of the Redmond Bike Park.  In May 2011, the project was appealed by a group of concerned neighbors.  The appeal was heard by the Hearing Examiner in the fall of 2011 and a decision was made in favor of the City. The appellants appealed that decision to City Council, who in the winter of 2012 favored with the City. Then the project was appealed again by the appellants to King County Superior Court.  Before the case was heard, the two parties began settlement discussions and in the spring of 2013, a settlement agreement was finalized and will be presented to City Council on April 16, 2013 with a request for Council to authorize the Mayor to sign the settlement agreement, which the appellants have already signed. 

The parties agreed to some changes in the design of the proposed Redmond Bike Park, as described below and shown in draft form in the attached Site Plan.

•             Moved bike features and site furnishings away from southeast corner and eastern side of site,

•             Removed elevated wooden features and double black diamond trail,

•             Expanded the staging area at the starting mound, and

•             Enhances vegetation along south and western sides of the site.   Read More >>

Upcoming parent presentations: "Youth Cyber Safety and Risks of Social Media - What Every Family Needs to Know"

Youth Cyber Safety and the Risks of Social Media – What Every Family Needs to Know

Upcoming parent presentations scheduled at four elementary schools

 

Redmond, Wash. – With more affordable smart phones and the growth of social media like Facebook and Twitter, everyone is connected. Yes, it is exciting, but how do you protect your children when they participate? Not just from predators but from bad decisions that can impact their lives for years to come? How do you even talk to them about it, let alone understand it?  Read More >>

Redmond Safety Alerts by Jim Bove, RPD: Residential burglaries are up.

Residential burglaries are up:

From January 1 – March 27 there have been 42 residential burglaries in Redmond. The previous 3-year year-to-date average is 21. The majority of the current burglaries have occurred in the Education Hill (20) and Grasslawn (14) districts. Just over half of these occurred during the daytime, 6 occurred overnight, with the rest unable to be determined (for instance if someone was on vacation). The usual items were targeted including computers/laptops, jewelry, small electronics (iPods, video games, cell phones, cameras), credit/debit/gift cards, televisions, guns, etc. They are normally knocking on doors before breaking in and some have a “lookout” who is outside on a cell phone.

 

The most common method of entry was:

• Unlocked (no signs of forced entry) windows and doors – 14

• Window and sliding glass door smashes – 9

• Door forced/kicked open – 5

• Window pried open – 4

• Open garage door – 3

 

Especially with school breaks, vacations, and warm weather (hopefully) on its way, we cannot reiterate enough to lock your windows and doors, especially when you aren’t home—2^nd and 3^rd floors, too (especially if you have a ladder outside). Three great ways to combat this besides some common sense:  Read More >>

New Entrance and Trail Connection into Cougar Mountain now open

 Posted on April 5, 2013 by Frana

 

New trail connection off of Newport Way NW

As if Cougar Mountain Park didn’t have enough superlatives attached to it (our largest park, most popular local hiking spot, best for trail running, shall we continue?), here’s one more: New trail! New access point! In Issaquah! Off Newport Way NW!
Did you catch you that? Yep, now there’s one more new way to get into the park to experience the awesomeness of its 35 miles of trails. Thanks to funding from the voter-approved 2008-2013 Open Space & Trails Levy, and grants from the state’s Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program and the local Conservation Futures Tax, King County Parks acquired 41 acres in the northeast corner of park in December 2010.

And if that wasn’t reason enough to celebrate, here’s one more: With the help of volunteers from Washington Trails Association, we’re about to complete nearly a mile of new trail, part of the Big Tree Ridge trail, effectively connecting the park to Newport Way NW in Issaquah (Granted, it’s a  steep trail from the street up to the bluff, not for feint of heart, but still!). Although there’s still some work to be done on the trail, it is already open to the public.

In the future, the lower area (pictured above) is slated to become a full trailhead, with formal parking, restrooms, and signage. In the interim, you can park on the shoulder of Newport Way NW or better yet, TAKE THE BUS! The #210 passes right by this entrance or you can go to the Issaquah Park and Ride and stroll on over to this new entry point.

The development of this area as a trailhead depends on future funding and is currently included in the Executive’s 2014-2019 Parks Levy Proposal

Education Hill and North Redmond neighborhood meeting is hosted by the City at Horace Mann on April 17th.

Yoo-hoo…Education Hill, North Redmond & Sammamish Valley neighborhoods!

Redmond Neighborhood Network –A Community Conversation (hosted by the City)
6-7:30pm Wednesday, April 17th
Horace Mann Elementary, 17001 NE 104th Street

... Spring has sprung! It’s time to get out and meet the neighbors! Come build partnerships with your neighbors and voice your ideas to help shape the future of your neighborhood. You’ll also have an opportunity to learn how to prepare for disasters and assess your neighborhood’s preparedness over the long term -something we call being Redmond Ready.

So mark those calendars and join the conversation! Check out the event details at www.redmond.gov/residents/neighborhoods

Opinion: Rewarding excellence in the schools

Rewarding excellence in the schools: SB 5901

By Liv Finne
April 4, 2013 

Breaking news: Reform-minded Senator Litzow (R-Mercer Island) and Senator Tom (D-Bellevue) just introduced a bill to reward excellence in the schools. It is SB 5901, available here. I am reading through it now. Here is what the bill does that jumps out at me:

• Gives A—F letter grades to schools. This is Governor Inslee’s idea, to help parents find out how their schools perform. See Section 302.
• Allows school districts to provide extra pay to teachers based upon the number of schools in that district that receive an A, B or C. See Section 107(4)(b).
• Offers strategic innovative grants to school districts for implementing effective educator and school leadership compensation systems.
• Recognizes highly productive schools, rewards innovation and supports schools that are struggling.

Identifying and rewarding excellence in the public schools would be an important step forward. Washington state has many highly skilled, hard-working and excellent teachers and principals. Unfortunately, the best are compensated just like every other teacher and principal. Teachers are not rewarded for their ability to motivate and inspire young learners, but instead for their seniority and for the paper credentials they have. Teachers must take expensive school of education classes to enhance their salaries, though these courses may do little to enhance teachers’ ability to teach and engage children.

 

Rewarding excellence — this bill advances good, commonsense ideas for improving the schools. Bravo, Senators Litzow and Tom.

 

http://www.washingtonpolicy.org/blog/post/rewarding-excellence-schools-sb-5901

Married couple linked to 23 area crimes including 11 in Redmond

As reported by Jim Bove, RPD, there were two very active criminals that were a husband and wife team recently sentenced for a variety of crimes--Arne and Crystal Rosander.   

The original investigation started on January 9^th, 2012 when a Redmond officer took a car prowl report . The victim reported multiple items stolen, including her wallet which contained several credit and debit cards.  After fraudulent transactions were made with them an investigation led us to the suspect names. We learned that Bellevue and Bothell Police Departments had active cases on them too. Our investigators took the lead on the case and on February 2^nd, 2012 served a search warrant on their residence where they located a large amount of stolen property, including stolen mail, sports equipment, electronics, purses, clothing, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, a stolen motorcycle, tools, and a shotgun. They were linked to 23 total crimes including 11 in Redmond and others in Bellevue, Bothell, Issaquah, Kirkland, King County, Lynnwood, Mercer Island, Renton, and Seattle. Crimes ranged from mail theft, car prowls, motorcycle theft, fraud, and storage burglary. They both pled guilty to several counts of Mail Theft and Identity Theft 2^nd Degree.  Arne Rosander was sentenced to 17 months in prison followed by 3 years of DOC Supervision. Crystal Rosander was sentenced to 8 months in prison followed by 3 years of DOC Supervision. Both suspects were also ordered to pay several thousand dollars in restitution to the victims.   

This goes to show the importance of reporting crimes, no matter how small they may be and keeping a good record of your valuables, credit cards, electronics, and jewelry. BTW, I don’t usually share names on the front end of a case, but since this is all public record at this point I figure there is no reason not to.
By Jim Bove, RPD
 

 

City of Redmond is accepting proposals to amend the Comprehensive Plan

 

Redmond, WA – The City of Redmond invites any individual, business or organization to submit applications for amendments to Redmond’s Comprehensive Plan and associated Zoning Code provisions. The application deadline is 5pm Tuesday, April 30, 2013.

 

The Comprehensive Plan establishes Redmond’s future vision and policy direction, and guides decisions such as how property may be developed and where to direct investments in infrastructure. Zoning code regulations are based on Comprehensive Plan policy, and some zoning designations cannot be changed without first amending the Comprehensive Plan.   Read More >>

Sustainable Redmond asks Council to review the City of Redmond's tree protection policy

Sustainable Redmond, led by Board Member Tom Hinman gave a 20 minute "Items From The Audience" presentation to the City Council last night about the rapid loss of tree canopy in Redmond and its ramifications to our environment.  He specifically asked council to remand a staff report back to the Planning Commission for reconsideration of Sustainable Redmond's tree protection amendment to the Comprehensive Plan.  Council will hold a study session on the topic next week. 

Three environmental policy interns and citizen Susan Wilkins contributed to Mr. Hinman's presentation.  They spent hours of research time reviewing 15 development projects in North Redmond, Education Hill, Grasslawn, Group Health and other neighborhoods looking for data that documents harm to the environment from excessive tree removal practices.  Tree preservation findings from 2010-2013 showed 3,510 significant trees and 382 landmark trees were removed from these projects. Only Bear Creek neighborhood kept 100% of their landmark trees.  One intern calculated 6 million gallons/year of stormwater is untreated, 550 tons of carbon/year is unsequestered, and $179,000 value is lost per year by removal of these trees.  Loss of tree canopy is now considered a significant indicator of environmental health.  Read More >>

"School Safety" by School Board Director Nancy Bernard

School Board 

Nancy Bernard, Director - District 3

The shootings in Newtown, Connecticut, in December were horrifying to families and schools all over America. We think of schools, especially elementary schools, as a safe place for kids. To lose so many innocent lives is unthinkable.

 

Inevitably, though, we start to think about our own children and our own schools. Parents have asked the district administration and school board, "What are you doing to keep my child safe?" That is a legitimate question. Among other things, our district trains staff and students what to do in case of a dangerous situation. We have every building's layout and information on a secure website that all first responders can view, helping them with that response. We have school resource officers, uniformed police officers who spend time at our comprehensive high schools and middle schools.

 

That question also raises some other important questions for us to answer as a community. Those questions include what actions will make our students truly safer. What is the impact of closing off a school building from the rest of the community? What is the cost of any changes, and as a community, are we willing to pay the costs?  Read More >>

Twenty LWSD schools recognized with "Washington Achievement Awards"

Redmond, Wash. – The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the State Board of Education (SBE) have announced that 381 schools across the state will be honored with 2012 Washington Achievement Awards. The list of schools includes 20 schools in Lake Washington School District. They will receive a total of 29 recognitions. Juanita Elementary School became the district’s first ever winner in four different categories (overall excellence, math, science, and high progress). All award-winning schools will be honored during a ceremony on April 30 at Kentwood High School in Covington.

 “These achievement awards confirm the hard work of our students, teachers and parents,” said Dr. Traci Pierce, superintendent. “I am proud that so many of the district’s schools are being recognized in a variety of areas.”

 Schools are recognized as top performers in seven categories: Overall Excellence, Language Arts, Math, Science, Extended Graduation Rate, Closing Achievement Gaps and High Progress (Title I schools only). Some schools are honored in more than one of these categories.

 Nine Lake Washington schools will be recognized for overall excellence: Carson Elementary (Sammamish), Juanita Elementary (Kirkland), Mann Elementary (Redmond), Rockwell Elementary (Redmond), Read More>>

Nami News: Educational Forum, Nami Walk, Nami Basics Course

An Educational Forum On Writing to Heal Yourself:

Journaling for Mental Health

                  Guests:                                  Dianne Aprile
                   Date:                                     Tuesday, April 16, 2013 7 PM - 9 PM
                  Location:                              Evergreen Hospital, Suite Tan 100,
                                                                  12303 NE 130th Lane,                                    
                                                                  Kirkland, WA 98034

                One of the best ways to deal with difficult situations is to write about them. Writer Dianne Aprile leads a hands-on workshop designed to help participants build a practice of journal keeping. Research indicates that regularly writing in a journal can  reduce intrusive thoughts about negative events and improve memory. These benefits, researchers believe, may in turn free up our cognitive resources for other mental activities, including coping effectively with stress. Like meditation, yoga or other focused disciplines, keeping a journal 20 minutes a day, three days a week, has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health.   Read More >>

Celebrate the public acquisition of Eastside Rail Corridor

Join with community leaders in celebration of public corridor stretching from Renton to Snohomish County

Celebrate public acquisition of Eastside Rail Corridor at March 30 event in Renton

King County’s long sought-after acquisition of nearly 20 miles of the Eastside Rail Corridor is complete – and the Corridor is now preserved for multiple near- and long-term public uses.

Join King County Executive Dow Constantine; County Council members Jane Hague, Larry Phillips and Rod Dembowski; U.S. Congresswoman Suzan DelBene; Renton Mayor Denis Law; Redmond Mayor John Marchione, and others as they celebrate public acquisition of the Eastside Rail Corridor:

Saturday, March 30, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Seahawks Headquarters at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center,
12 Seahawks Way, Renton
• 1:30 p.m. – open house
• 2 p.m. – officials’ comments
• 2:30-3:30 p.m. – social program

Open house activities include interactive exhibits about the corridor, activities for children, snacks and refreshments and short tours of a corridor section available using a high-rail vehicle provided by Sound Transit.
More information about the effort to preserve and develop the Corridor for multiple uses is at http://www.kingcounty.gov/erc.

Distinguished lecturer speaks at Overlake School on "Defining America: Justice, Immigration, and Education"

Defining America: Justice, Immigration and Education

How is the nation’s population changing? What does it mean for all Americans? How must our immigration laws and our existing systems change to bring about justice, ensure equity and unify our country?

Hear leading social justice activist and writer, Distinguished Lecturer Pramila Jayapal, on April 15, 7:30 p.m., in Discovery Hall, The Overlake School , 20301 NE 108th St., Redmond. Admission is free.

The founder of OneAmerica, the state’s largest immigrant advocacy organization, and a national leader on issues of social justice and immigration, Pramila Jayapal studies the nation’s changing demographics and the problems and opportunities they offer. For more information about her, visithttp://pramilajayapal.com. For more information about the lecture or The Overlake School, call 425-868-1000 or visithttp://www.overlake.org. The Overlake School is a coed, fifth through 12^th-grade independent college prep school founded in 1967.

Lake Washington Schools Foundation Brings Video Technology to A.G. Bell Elementary

Librarian Julie Hembree and student

Young actors, screenwriters and producers are hard at work in the A.G. Bell Elementary library, where school librarian Julie Hembree is introducing elementary school kids to the power of video technology.

A Reaching for Success grant from the Lake Washington Schools Foundation enabled Hembree to buy a video camera and green screen software for her classes to use to create video book reviews, math tutorials, and research assignments. Reaching for Success grants allow Lake Washington School District teachers and principals to develop creative educational programs that expand curriculum and meet schools’ improvement goals.

Using video technology is a way to integrate STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activities and concepts into curriculum. Students can develop important skills while learning how to use a popular technology. According to Hembree, “By creating a movie they’re using technology, they’re using innovation, they’re using creativity, and these are all skills they can use as they move forward into middle and high school.”   Read More >>

Over $100,000 spent on computer virus eradication at LWSD

As of March 15, total eradication of the computer virus in LWSD schools is still incomplete according to Kathryn Reith, Communications Director for LWSD.   A "Freedom of Information" public record request by Redmond Neighborhood Blog revealed $100,399.92 has been spent so far in labor and Sophos software support to eradicate the virus. Reith was told by the technology department they don't expect much more in expense.  Loss of teacher-student producticivity is an intangible unaccounted for. 

Reith expects to come forth with information at a later date on further anti-virus safeguards the District will put in place.  When the virus first struck the computer systems, School Director Douglas Egglington asked Superintendent Pierce in a public meeting for transparency on the costs for eradication.  There had been no follow-up until this post.

Reported by Bob Yoder

43,000 acres of King County forestland is conserved

Executive Constantine reaches agreement to conserve largest piece of unprotected forestland remaining in King County

Purchase of conservation easement for White River Forest near Enumclaw would protect 43,000 acres – an area roughly twice the size of city of Bellevue

White River Forest detail map (1.5 Mb Acrobat pdf)

King County Executive Dow Constantine today said he has reached an agreement to permanently protect the 43,000 acres of the White River Forest east of Enumclaw from development – an area roughly twice the size of the city of Bellevue.

“This is the largest swath of unprotected forestland remaining in King County,” said Executive Constantine. “With this agreement, we will dramatically extend our green wall against sprawl, and achieve the ambitious goal set a decade ago of protecting 200,000 acres of working forests countywide.”

Managed by the Hancock Timber Resource Group, the White River Forest is located along scenic Highway 410, which takes motorists to Crystal Mountain ski resort in the winter and over Chinook pass in the summer.

To purchase development rights to the property, the Executive today sent legislation to the County Council to authorize $8.1 million in existing funding from the County’s dedicated open space fund known as the Conservation Futures Fund. The Council last fall approved $3 million from Conservation Futures and from the King County Parks levy toward the total $11.1 million price. The land would remain in private ownership with the right to harvest timber sustainably.

Dan Christensen, CEO of Hancock Timber Resource Group, said the Company is committed to conservation efforts and managing forests sustainably.  Read More >>

Community invited to weigh in on LWSD ballot measures

Redmond, Wash. – Lake Washington School District is inviting parents, staff, and community members to provide input on what measures the district’s board of directors should propose for the ballot in February 2014. At that time, the district’s Educational Programs & Operations Levy, which funds 22.9 percent of the district’s general fund, will be up for renewal. The capital projects levy, which funds major building repairs and upgrades as well as all technology, is also up for renewal.

The district is also looking at how to provide space to house current and growing enrollment. Over 4,000 more students are expected to be added to the district’s enrollment over the next nine years. Many of these students are currently in the system, as the current graduating classes of high school students are smaller than the larger incoming classes of elementary school students. These larger classes are due not only to new development but also from more students in existing housing all over the district. In addition, the district is planning for the increased classroom space that will be needed to house all-day kindergarten for all students, when the state comes through with the funding for that program.

The district is also scheduled to consider the third phase of a four-phase modernization program, which aims to update school buildings every 30 to 40 years. The first two phases were funded by bond measures passed in 1998 and 2006. Phase 1 was completed on time and on budget. Phase 2 is now nearing completion. The third phase is under consideration for a possible bond measure next year.

The public is invited to attend any of the following four meetings:

• Tuesday, April 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Redmond High School
• Tuesday, April 30, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Eastlake High School
• Wednesday, May 1, 6:30-8:30, Lake Washington High School
• Thursday, May 9, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Juanita High School

In addition, information and an input form will be posted on the district website beginning on April 23. Those who cannot attend a meeting will be able to weigh in online. Input from the meetings and the online form will be consolidated. Dr. Traci Pierce, Superintendent, will use the community’s input to help make a recommendation to the school board. The board will vote on what measures to put on the ballot in February 2014.

Sign up to host an international student this summer!

Host Families Needed to Welcome 34 International Students
Education First Educational Homestay Programs (EHP) is now accepting caring volunteer host families who are ready to welcome students into their home for a few weeks this summer. This non-profit program provides a unique opportunity for families to make life-long friendships with international students while learning about their culture – all without leaving home.

From July 16 – August 5^th host families on the Eastside will welcome 34 EHP students. Our students will attend language and culture classes and enjoy planned activities during weekdays, chaperoned by our staff. Host-siblings are welcome to join some activities too! Weekends will be free for host families to enjoy activities with their students while building long lasting cross-cultural bonds. Families also earn travel rewards and discounts through this program. Children of host families can earn community service credit and 24-hour support from EHP staff is available.

Families able to provide a room (shared is fine), an extra plate at the table, and – most importantly – a stable caring environment, have what it takes to share their life with an eager student from abroad this summer. Host family sign-ups close on May 15th. Contact Karene Busby at (425) 466-8538, eburg1962@comcast.net for details.


About Education First For almost 50 years, Education First has helped millions of people become “citizens of the world” by breaking down barriers of language, culture and geography. Through cultural exchanges, educational travel, language training and degree programs, Education First is the world leader in international education.

For more information about Education First: www.redmondexchangestudents.com, www.efhomestay.org or www.ef.com/ehp.

LETTER: The planning steps LWSD needs to consider

Susan Wilkins said...

My suggestion that school construction on the west side of the district should have instead occurred on the east side re-ignited the debate about east versus west in the district. I didn't mean to imply that the east side is more deserving of construction. I believe we should carefully focus our construction money where it's needed most and in proportion to what is actually needed.

What I am dismayed at is that so many schools in the district have been torn down and completely rebuilt - and most of those schools happened to be on the west side of the district and were still in fairly good condition. When we voted we were told that these schools would be "modernized" and I thought that meant updated or remodeled. To me, modernization means replacement of aging plumbing, electrical, lighting, doors, windows, carpeting/flooring, etc. But the school district figured out that they could justify tearing down and replacing the buildings if they added enough new features and space requirements that it would cost as much to remodel as it would to rebuild. What started out as a sensible district-wide remodeling schedule has morphed into a total teardown mentality with plans to replace every school in the district. The school district routinely spends an outrageous $35,000,000 tearing down and rebuilding elementary schools and insists on calling it modernization! Bell, Keller, Juanita and Thoreau Elementaries each have about 300 students and are only partially full. These schools are all brand new and were rebuilt even as schools elsewhere in the district were flooded with students who ended up in villages of portables.

At the same time, it is very clear that Juanita High School has a multitude of maintenance issues that have been neglected for years. Lighting, heating, ventilation and electrical systems are all in need of updating and basic maintenance. Has Juanita High School not had any maintenance because the school district just assumes it will tear the school down? Can Juanita High School be updated without tearing the building down or is it so inherently flawed that it is beyond repair?

Long-term, central planning (or lack of it) seems to be at the root of the school district's problems. The district has built 19 brand new school buildings in the past 15 years, but they have never figured out how to match student populations with space availability. (Should I remind everyone that Wilder was left half empty while Rosa Parks overflowed with students!) Transportation planning and facilities planning are both managed by the same department and bussing is a mess. Short (2-3 mile) bus rides can take 45 minutes and bus stops are often far from students' homes. (Although the district manages to provide a bus that takes students from Redmond Ridge across to ICS in Kirkland in just 25 minutes.) The school district has the names, addresses and grade levels of all the students in the school district and they could use planning software to balance student populations AND to transport students efficiently and quickly to their schools. (The district must coordinate transportation planning and facilities management to make it work.) The school district tells us that moving school boundaries is "tricky". Well, it is tricky, but with computers and well-designed software (try ESRI's ArcGIS series), it is very possible. Big companies like Microsoft have facilities planners to manage their many employees in many buildings. FedEx, UPS and the Post Office have delivery route planners. Maybe LWSD should call up these companies and ask for some planning advice.

By Susan Wilkins, Education Hill, Redmond

"Council Notes", by Redmond Councilmember Tom Flynn

Tom Flynn

"Council Notes," By Redmond City Councilmember Tom Flynn, Spring, 2013

With Redmond's centennial celebrations now completed, the Council looks forward to a busy 2013.  We have our usual slate of business -- setting policy, approving budgets, and fulfilling our ombudsman duties.  At the same time, no shortage of opportunities for Councilmembers to represent the City's leadership in the region. 

Councilmembers, along with the Mayor, participate in key positions in the following organizations:  Sound Cities Association (SCA), Cascade Water Alliance, Eastside Human Services Forum, Eastside Transportation Partnership, and Water Resource Inventory Area 8 for Salmon Habitat Conservation.  The SCA represents 37 suburban cities in King County and we have a seat on the influential Public Issues Committee.  Your Councilmembers also represent Redmond's interests as SCA representatives in other regional organizations including Enterprise Seattle, King County Growth Management Planning Council, King County Regional Transit Committee, Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) Economic Development District Board, PSRC Growth Management Policy Board, and the Regional Law, Safety and Justice Committee.  In early February of this year, Councilmembers also spent two days in Olympia meeting face to face with state legislators representing the city of Redmond; additional meetings are planned around Redmond's legislative agenda.

By participating in these regional and statewide activities, Councilmembers promote the city's vision for a sustainable and livable community.  We also contribute the City's perspectives on regional transportation law and justice and human services issues.  We collaborate with other jurisdictions and leaders in the region to work on regional and statewide challenges by leveraging resources and ideas.  This participation has helped Redmond to not only identify and compete for regional and statewide funding for various capital projects including the Redmond Central Connector, the 36th Street Bridge, the urban centers in Downtown and Overlake as well as to advocate for Eastlink Light Rail to downtown Redmond but it also positions Redmond as a standout City with unique ideas and perspectives.

We'll continue to represent Redmond across the region to lay the foundation for another great 100 years!

By Councilmember Tom Flynn