Redmond High School PTSA
Mustang Weekly, 1/31
Monday, January 31, 2011
Redmond High School PTSA endorses levy measure
Redmond High School PTSA
Mustang Weekly, 1/31
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Development of the St. George Coptic Orthodox Church
January, 3, 2017 update: Construction of the Church was completed in 2016. It's located in Kirkland.
Background information, 2011:
The recent crisis in Egypt and Seattle rally reminded me of the growing Egyptian resident population in Redmond. Samiha Korshed is an influential Egyptian resident of Redmond. She was cited in the Seattle Times:
"An estimated 1,500 - 2,000 Egyptian natives and family members live in the Seattle area, said Samiha Korshed of Redmond, who runs a social-network group for local Egyptians. Kroshed likened the movement in her homeland to the American Revolution. She said the American government should not come to Mubarak's aid. "I want to ask every American how they would feel if another country told them who their leaders should be."
-- Josef Federman, AP, Seattle Times, 1-20-11.
Below is my November 22, 2009 report of the Christian Egyptians in Redmond. They were trying to build a church on Rose Hill:
Over 250 Russian and Egyptian citizens turned-out at the recent City Hall meeting of Nov. 2009
The last City Council meeting (11/17/09) could be labeled "organized chaos," or "history in the making." For Mayor John Marchione it was a home run. Probably, close to 300 citizens showed up. One of Marchione's Budget priorities is to "build a sense of community and connections with others." The Russians had issues with the city about a large office park next to Sears.
More than half of the attendees were from St. George Coptic Orthodox Church - a growing, peaceful community of Christian Egyptians seeking freedom in America from religious prosecution.
The church members came to Council seeking a sewer line extension-exception to service their proposed NE Redmond church. The project site is on county land planned for annexation. The annexation currently has 59% election approval: it needs 60% approval for annexation into Redmond.
Councilmember Richard Cole laid the hammer down referring to Redmond's long-standing urban growth boundary policy denying city sewer extensions into the County. Mayor Marchione summed up the Council's decision stating:
"We welcome the St. George Coptic Church into the community, but this in not the vehicle in which to do it. The vehicle is through annexation."
UPDATE: 1/30/2011 - I talked to Paul Paxhia today. His family lives right across from the church site on NE 100 St. Church ingress and egress is on NE 100th Street adjacent his home. Paul said the city annexed the county land ("by a hair's margin") about 6-8 months ago and it could take years for a sewer line extension. In the meantime, without access to sewer, the Coptic church land remains idle. Paul and three neighbors didn't sign the annexation petition owing to issue with severe traffic congestion on the intersection of 132nd Avenue NE and NE 100 Street.
Report and photos by Bob Yoder
Background information, 2011:
The recent crisis in Egypt and Seattle rally reminded me of the growing Egyptian resident population in Redmond. Samiha Korshed is an influential Egyptian resident of Redmond. She was cited in the Seattle Times:
"An estimated 1,500 - 2,000 Egyptian natives and family members live in the Seattle area, said Samiha Korshed of Redmond, who runs a social-network group for local Egyptians. Kroshed likened the movement in her homeland to the American Revolution. She said the American government should not come to Mubarak's aid. "I want to ask every American how they would feel if another country told them who their leaders should be."
-- Josef Federman, AP, Seattle Times, 1-20-11.
###
Below is my November 22, 2009 report of the Christian Egyptians in Redmond. They were trying to build a church on Rose Hill:
Over 250 Russian and Egyptian citizens turned-out at the recent City Hall meeting of Nov. 2009
The last City Council meeting (11/17/09) could be labeled "organized chaos," or "history in the making." For Mayor John Marchione it was a home run. Probably, close to 300 citizens showed up. One of Marchione's Budget priorities is to "build a sense of community and connections with others." The Russians had issues with the city about a large office park next to Sears.
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| Christian Egyptian Church Site awaiting sewer hook-up to Redmond |
The church members came to Council seeking a sewer line extension-exception to service their proposed NE Redmond church. The project site is on county land planned for annexation. The annexation currently has 59% election approval: it needs 60% approval for annexation into Redmond.
Councilmember Richard Cole laid the hammer down referring to Redmond's long-standing urban growth boundary policy denying city sewer extensions into the County. Mayor Marchione summed up the Council's decision stating:
"We welcome the St. George Coptic Church into the community, but this in not the vehicle in which to do it. The vehicle is through annexation."
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| Paul bought the lot next door to escape the intersection traffic and gain better access to NE 132nd Ave. He lives across the street from the church. |
Report and photos by Bob Yoder
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Reader requests a summary page for all School levy Letters
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| Drop your ballot off at City Hall or the post office by 2/8. |
from the desk of Bob Yoder...
Feedback from a reader suggested posting a link to all the LWSD-Bond LETTERS on one page. Great idea, Murthy!
All the Letters and Opinions on the Capital Projects Levy are posted here: click this link!
This link is posted on the LEVY VOTER'S GUIDE, too!
Juanita High School & Redmond High School drama students shine
On Saturday, January 8, 42 Juanita High School drama students and 24 Redmond High School drama students participated in the Western Washington State Thespians Individual Events Festival held at Bellevue College. Students competed in the categories of Monologue, Solo musical, Duet musical, Duo Scene, and Group Musical.
Six students were in the top 10 percent of their category and are National qualifiers. These students are now eligible to compete at the International Thespian Festival in Lincoln, Neb., at the end of June. Read more for the list of top performing students...
2011 Year of the Rabbit to bring financial success? By Ukari Sumino
"2011 is the year of the rabbit. It is the fourth animal symbol in the Chinese 12-animal system. This animal system is used as a means of numbering days and years, not just in China, but also in other East Asian nations like Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.
The animal system is also important in astrology and fortune telling.
It has been predicted that in the year of the rabbit, stock prices will jump (because of the tendency for rabbits to hop when they run). Here’s to hoping that this fortune comes true.
Who is the rabbit"? Read More
By Ukari Sumino
Northwest Asian Weekly
1/27/2011
CHINESE NEW YEAR FEAST CELEBRATION at: Watercress Asian Bistro is celebrating the Year of the Rabbit with a 10-course family-style lunch and dinner banquet, Februrary 3-5. Call Lily for reservations, 425-284-3188. Watercress is a minute from RTC at: 16505 Redmond Way, Redmond.
LETTER: Why vote "Yes" for $65M expansion when District has $200M to spend?
LETTER: In 1997 the district completed the “Study and Survey of School Facilities” and evaluated each of its existing schools for modernization or replacement. Per WAC 125-25-025, each school facility and its major systems and subsystems were to be evaluated based on the condition of deterioration and the cost of restoration vs. the cost of replacement. As a result, each school in the Lake Washington School District was placed in one of 4 phases for modernization/replacement based on an 8-year cycle. Although the list of schools assigned to each of four phases is still available, the original report detailing the condition of the facilities, the cost analysis, and other factors that determining decisions made by the facilities committee has not been found.
In February 1998, voters approved a bond measure for the “modernization” of the first 11 schools in Phase I. At that time, modernization still meant renovation, and the first two schools on the list, Audubon Elementary and Lakeview Elementary, were remodeled and updated. All schools since then have been torn down and rebuilt.
Phase I – 1998 Bond Measure for $160,000,000:
2000 - Audubon Elementary – $7,000,000 (remodel and updated)
2001 - Lakeview Elementary – $5,000,000 (remodel and expansion)
2000 - Twain Elementary –cost: unavailable
2002 - Redmond Junior High – $23,488,811
2003 - Horace Mann Elementary – $11,683,439
2003 - Thoreau Elementary – $11,052, 075
2003 - Redmond High School – $53,000,000
2004 - Kirkland Junior High – $15,489,298
2005 - Juanita Elementary – $9,666,000
2006 - Franklin Elementary –$9,899,672
2006 - Rose Hill Elementary – $10,712,410
Phase II - 2006 Bond Measure for $436,000,000:
2008 - Carson Elementary – $19,100,000 (New)
2009 - Frost Elementary – $19,100,000
2010 - Finn Hill Junior High – $29,679,028
2011 - Lake Washington High School – $58,700,000+ (final cost: tbd) READ MORE
2011 - Muir Elementary –Bid: 18,300,000
2011 - Ben Rush Elementary – cost: tbd
2012 – Bell Elementary – cost: tbd
2012 – Keller Elementary – cost: tbd
2012 – Sandburg Elementary – cost: tbd
2013 - Rose Hill Junior High – cost: tbd
2013 – Community Elementary – cost: tbd
2013 – International Community School (ICS) – cost: tbd
It’s interesting to note that the cost of rebuilding an elementary school was about $10,000,000 during Phase I, but the three elementary schools that have been built or bid during Phase II cost nearly twice as much. The Phase II school buildings have become more architecturally elaborate and complex with three-story atriums, catwalks, soaring ceilings, walls of glass, and natural stone. These features are to be expected in a hotel or shopping mall, not in our schools and not paid for with our tax dollars!
The school district wants us to believe that money from the bond measures is for “modernization” while money from the upcoming levy is for “expansion” and somehow these two are separate and unrelated. READ MORE
In February 1998, voters approved a bond measure for the “modernization” of the first 11 schools in Phase I. At that time, modernization still meant renovation, and the first two schools on the list, Audubon Elementary and Lakeview Elementary, were remodeled and updated. All schools since then have been torn down and rebuilt.
Phase I – 1998 Bond Measure for $160,000,000:
2000 - Audubon Elementary – $7,000,000 (remodel and updated)
2001 - Lakeview Elementary – $5,000,000 (remodel and expansion)
2000 - Twain Elementary –cost: unavailable
2002 - Redmond Junior High – $23,488,811
2003 - Horace Mann Elementary – $11,683,439
2003 - Thoreau Elementary – $11,052, 075
2003 - Redmond High School – $53,000,000
2004 - Kirkland Junior High – $15,489,298
2005 - Juanita Elementary – $9,666,000
2006 - Franklin Elementary –$9,899,672
2006 - Rose Hill Elementary – $10,712,410
Phase II - 2006 Bond Measure for $436,000,000:
2008 - Carson Elementary – $19,100,000 (New)
2009 - Frost Elementary – $19,100,000
2010 - Finn Hill Junior High – $29,679,028
2011 - Lake Washington High School – $58,700,000+ (final cost: tbd) READ MORE
2011 - Muir Elementary –Bid: 18,300,000
2011 - Ben Rush Elementary – cost: tbd
2012 – Bell Elementary – cost: tbd
2012 – Keller Elementary – cost: tbd
2012 – Sandburg Elementary – cost: tbd
2013 - Rose Hill Junior High – cost: tbd
2013 – Community Elementary – cost: tbd
2013 – International Community School (ICS) – cost: tbd
It’s interesting to note that the cost of rebuilding an elementary school was about $10,000,000 during Phase I, but the three elementary schools that have been built or bid during Phase II cost nearly twice as much. The Phase II school buildings have become more architecturally elaborate and complex with three-story atriums, catwalks, soaring ceilings, walls of glass, and natural stone. These features are to be expected in a hotel or shopping mall, not in our schools and not paid for with our tax dollars!
The school district wants us to believe that money from the bond measures is for “modernization” while money from the upcoming levy is for “expansion” and somehow these two are separate and unrelated. READ MORE
Friday, January 28, 2011
LWSD Selected to Participate in Microsoft Partners in Learning Innovative Schools Program
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| Superintendent Chip Kimball |
Lake Washington School District joins elite corps of Innovative Schools in more than 46 countries.
Redmond, WA — January 28, 2011 — Yesterday, Microsoft Partners in Learning announced a new class of Pathfinder and Mentor Schools, which will be joining the Innovative Schools Program, part of Microsoft’s 10-year $500M initiative to help teachers and school leaders more effectively use technology as a tool for teaching and learning. Lake Washington School District was chosen after a rigorous global application process and joins a global community of 80 schools in 46 countries. Over the course of the next 12 months, Microsoft will work with educational experts to help the district through a process aimed at creating a community that is focused on innovative teaching and learning practice.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Mood Disorders In Women
NAMI-Eastside, National Alliance on Mental Illness - Forum On "Mood Disorders In Women"
Presents An Educational Forum On “Mood Disorders In Women”
Guest: Ioana Diaconu, MD
Date: Tuesday, February 15, 2011, 7 PM - 9 PM
Location: Evergreen Hospital, Suite Tan 100, 12303 NE 130th Lane
Kirkland, WA 98034
Forum is free.
Dr. Diaconu is an attending psychiatrist at Fairfax Hospital in Kirkland and the Medical Director of the Hospitalization Program. Her outpatient practice has a strong focus on addressing mood disorders, anxiety and trauma in adults, as well as women’s issues. She will talk about the diversity and complexity of problems associated with mood disorders in women.
For more information: info@nami-eastside.org, http://www.nami-eastside.org/ , 425-885-6264
Pamela Schulenburg
NAMI-Eastside Volunteer
NAMI Eastside is located in "The Together Center"
16315 NE 87th Street, Suite B-4, \
Redmond, WA 98052
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Evergreen Hospital Medical Center Ranked in Top Five Percent in Nation
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| CEO Bob Malte |
Evergreen Hospital Medical Center Ranked in Top Five Percent in Nation
For the third consecutive year, Evergreen Hospital Medical Center has been ranked among the nation’s top five percent of hospitals and named a Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence™. The Clinical Excellence award was based on a study of mortality and complication rates by HealthGrades®, the nation’s leading independent healthcare ratings company. Nearly 5,000 hospitals were included in the study.
Evergreen Hospital is one of only three hospitals in Washington to receive the HealthGrades’ 2011 Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence Award™. It is the only Washington hospital to achieve the award the past three consecutive years. Nationally, only 268 non-federal hospitals received this distinction.
“We are proud of this continued recognition and the world class outcomes our physicians, nurses, technologists and staff achieve,” said Evergreen CEO Bob Malte. “And we are even prouder because of what this means for the health and well-being of our communities. Every day, we recommit ourselves to working together to enrich the health and well-being of every life we touch”
Lake Washington School District Graded as High Return on Investment
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| Superintendent Chip Kimball |
National study compares academic achievement per dollar spent
Redmond, Wash. – A national study of school district efficiency placed Lake Washington School District among those in the state of Washington with high achievement and low cost. Return on Educational Investment: A district-by-district evaluation of U.S. educational productivity gave Lake Washington its highest rating on “Basic ROI,” a measure that compared academic achievement per dollar spent, adjusting for concentrations of low-income, non-English-speaking and special education students.
The Center for American Progress study reviewed standardized test scores and expenditures for school districts with more than 250 students nationwide. Within each state, it placed school districts in three tiers for adjusted cost per student and achievement. Lake Washington was placed in the top tier for high achievement and the top tier for lowest cost.
Updated: Redmond's new (Red Light) Safety Camera Pilot Program begins Tuesday, February 1.
The program will run for one year after which the City will evaluate its effectiveness and determine whether to make it permanent.
The locations of the three intersection cameras are eastbound at 148th Avenue NE and Redmond Way, eastbound and westbound at 156th Avenue NE and NE 40th Street and westbound and northbound at Union Hill Road and Avondale Road. A study performed in 2009 showed these intersections averaged over 600 vehicles running a red-light per month.
The school zone safety camera is installed eastbound and westbound in front of Einstein Elementary on NE 116th Street in north Redmond. Here the speeding violations (at least 26 mph in a 20 mph school zone) averaged almost 1000 per month.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
LETTER: District needs dialogue with voters - leading toward revenue plan
Why are there so many different, independent requests for more revenue for the school district?
LETTER: In a recent letter from the district president and district director, they described that this is a "unique" request; not like the others. If my memory serves me correctly, there is a steady stream of requests for more revenue, but I have never seen a comprehensive plan or description of the need in any form that makes sense to me.
Why is every request a 'crisis'? Are the demographics in the area so unpredictable that planning is not possible? In the business environment, this would be viewed as the result of poor strategic planning.
By Howard Fraiser
Redmond, WA.
READ MORE
LETTER: In a recent letter from the district president and district director, they described that this is a "unique" request; not like the others. If my memory serves me correctly, there is a steady stream of requests for more revenue, but I have never seen a comprehensive plan or description of the need in any form that makes sense to me.
Why is every request a 'crisis'? Are the demographics in the area so unpredictable that planning is not possible? In the business environment, this would be viewed as the result of poor strategic planning.
By Howard Fraiser
Redmond, WA.
READ MORE
Microsoft's weirdest idea ever? Altered parasites to fight disease
"We've seen unusual patent applications from Microsoft before, but this one takes things to a whole new level. Under the title of 'Adapting Parasites to Combat Disease,' it describes 'systems and/or methods that facilitate sensing, detecting, logging, or treatment of a condition or need of a living body using a controlled parasite.'
Microsoft isn't commenting, but it's pretty clearly an example of the broad interests (some might say loose focus) of the company's research unit, not an example of the company's actual product plans.
Filed in July 2009 and made public earlier this month, the patent application reads like something out of science fiction" --
Read more
Story and graphic By Todd Bishop
Techflash Microsoft Blog
UPDATED: President Pendergrass explains some of the "jobs and duties" of the School Board
January 24, Regular meeting notes:
In the January 24 School Board Meeting, Jackie Pendergrass was re-elected President and Ravi Shahani was re-elected Vice President by thel Board.
Just prior to the Consent Agenda (passed unanymously), President Pendergrass expressed, "I guess for our pubic", some comments about the jobs and duties of the school board, as follows:
"...none of us really has a power as a Board Director"
"...being President for this organization is really helping to run the agenda, the meetings that we have and then being avaibalble to discuss anything they (the Board members) have that may come up..."
"...we can't make decisions on our own that represent the Board, especially in our business"
"...we certainly represent the community and we listen to the community but we can't make decisions on our own, it takes the majority of the board..."
No one explained how the Board represents the community as a single entity or as individuals.
Pres. Pendergrass and Dir. Bernard indivdually co-authored a Letter to local media outlets, yesterday advocating the levy. It wasn't signed by all the Directors.
Watch and listen to President Pendergrass's entire talk (before the Consent Agenda) here
Reported By Bob Yoder
Photo By Yoder
Source: Regular meeting of the School Board, 1/24 - personal attendence and video archive.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Capital Projects Levy Voter's Pamphlet!
Lake Washington School District paid $17,000 for a Voter's Pamphlet to help educate the voters on the levy for "overcrowding". When you open your ballot, if you look really hard, you will find the phamplet text on the back side of the purple Fact Sheet.
For your convenience, the text and audio versions of the Voter's Phamplet are linked below:
Audio: Voter's Pamphlet - "Statement in Favor" of Proposition No. 1, Capital Projects Levy (No Statement in opposition filed.)
Text: Voter's Pamphlet - "Statement in Favor" of Proposition No. 1, Capital Projects Levy (No Statement in opposition filed.)
Please forward this phamplet to your neighbors or tell them where they can find it.
Reported by Yoder
Source: www.kingcounty.gov//elections
February 8, midnight deadline for voting by post
February 8, 8PM deadline for voting by drop box
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| 24-hour ballot drop box open now at Redmond City Hall |
For your convenience, the text and audio versions of the Voter's Phamplet are linked below:
Audio: Voter's Pamphlet - "Statement in Favor" of Proposition No. 1, Capital Projects Levy (No Statement in opposition filed.)
Text: Voter's Pamphlet - "Statement in Favor" of Proposition No. 1, Capital Projects Levy (No Statement in opposition filed.)
Please forward this phamplet to your neighbors or tell them where they can find it.
Reported by Yoder
Source: www.kingcounty.gov//elections
February 8, midnight deadline for voting by post
February 8, 8PM deadline for voting by drop box
Updated: 70-75% of responses from Redmond Fire Stations are for medical emergencies.
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| Rendering of Fire Station 17 - Courtesy of City of Redmond The public is invited to join the City of Redmond at the groundbreaking ceremony for Fire Station 17 in North Redmond on Thursday, January 27 at 10 a.m. Mayor John Marchione, City Councilmembers and Fire Chief Tim Fuller, among others, will be in attendance. Light refreshments will be served. Fire Station 17 is scheduled to house a Medic One unit when it opens. In a meeting with Council President Richard Cole today, Mr. Cole indicated response times should improve in the North Redmond/Education Hill area. Units will avoid the traffic congestion of Avondale, Novelty Hill Rd, and Redmond-Woodinville Road. He said a Medic unit will be housed in Fire Station 17 in advance of the fire trucks since Medics respond to 75% of all emergency fire calls. No parking for the general public is available on-site. Guests must park in the north lot of the Church of the Holy Cross, 11526 162nd Ave. N.E. Access to the lot is best from NE 116th Street just east of 162nd Avenue NE. Shuttles are available from 9:30 to 9:55 am to take guests from the parking lot to the site and return them to their cars at the completion of the ceremony. Reported by Yoder Source: Council President Richard Cole Marta Gronlund, City Communications |
LETTER: Increased enrollment is not an anomaly - the levy is needed to create space
LETTER: My husband and I live in the Juanita community and we strongly urge Lake Washington School District residents to vote YES for the district’s February 8th capital levy.
Maintaining our excellent schools is important to the quality of life in our community and to our children’s futures. If our children choose to live here when they are adults, we hope they’ll find this is a stable community and still a great place to raise a family.
The levy is needed to pay for new classroom space and a new school to accommodate the district’s sudden increase this past year in enrollment after a decade of almost no growth. The increase is no anomaly; the enrollment is expected to continue to climb.
Maintaining our excellent schools is important to the quality of life in our community and to our children’s futures. If our children choose to live here when they are adults, we hope they’ll find this is a stable community and still a great place to raise a family.
The levy is needed to pay for new classroom space and a new school to accommodate the district’s sudden increase this past year in enrollment after a decade of almost no growth. The increase is no anomaly; the enrollment is expected to continue to climb.
LETTER: "We are facing a very real space crisis. Vote Yes", By School Board Directors, Jackie Pendergrass and Nancy Bernard.
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| Director Nancy Bernard Kirkland resident |
As members of the Lake Washington School District Board of Directors, we urge you to vote yes for the district’s levy measure. We are facing a very real space crisis. It’s just not possible to fit in hundreds more students into the system each year without some cost. With 600 more students this year and 450 more expected each year for at least the next five, we will run out of space by the fall of 2012.
This measure is not about the planned change in grade configuration to a four-year high school system. That change is being made for academic reasons.
It also helps us handle the space problem by moving sixth grade out of our already crowded elementary schools, schools that would be in a crisis without a change that brings us in line with most other school districts in the state and nation.
It also helps us handle the space problem by moving sixth grade out of our already crowded elementary schools, schools that would be in a crisis without a change that brings us in line with most other school districts in the state and nation.
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| Pres. Jackie Pendergrass, Kirkland resident |
What this measure is about is adding classroom space at the high school level where we will desperately need it very soon. It is about making sure that Redmond and Eastlake High Schools have enough space for the students who enter their doors. An additional small secondary school will reduce those numbers so that those two schools don’t become too large. Because of the great interest locally and nationally in science, technology, engineering and math education, we will focus the curriculum on those subjects. This new school will be open to students from all over the district.
The Lake Washington School District works hard to provide an excellent education for our students, but we need your support. Please Vote yes for our students and mail your ballot by February 8. (The voter’s pamphlet is included in your ballot on the back of the instruction sheet.)
Sincerely,
Jackie Pendergrass, Director, District 1, Board President
Nancy Bernard, Director, District 3
The Lake Washington School District works hard to provide an excellent education for our students, but we need your support. Please Vote yes for our students and mail your ballot by February 8. (The voter’s pamphlet is included in your ballot on the back of the instruction sheet.)
Sincerely,
Jackie Pendergrass, Director, District 1, Board President
Nancy Bernard, Director, District 3
City Invites Feedback for Redmond Central Connector
Redmond, WA – The City of Redmond invites you to provide feedback on the draft design for the Redmond Central Connector at a community meeting on Thursday, January 27 from 6:30 to 8:30pm at Redmond City Hall, 15670 NE 85th Street.
This draft design is part of the Master Plan process the City is currently undertaking for the Redmond Central Connector. The design that will be presented at this meeting is derived from the comments and suggestions given to the City through the many public meetings, stakeholder interviews and City Commissions.
“The redevelopment of this corridor will both redefine the heart of Redmond and respect Redmond’s history,” stated Carolyn Hope, Senior Park Planner and project manager. “Creative input from Redmond’s residents and business people is important to develop a plan that reflects the community’s values.”
The Redmond Central Connector includes a 3.89 mile long linear corridor extending from the east end of the Bear Creek Trail in Redmond Town Center to NE 124th Street. This area will build community through enhanced pedestrian and transit connections, personal interaction and opportunities to engage businesses with customers.
For more information on the meeting, contact Carolyn Hope at 425-556-2313 or cjhope@redmond.gov .
For more information on the project, visit the City’s website at http://www.redmond.gov/PlansProjects/Parks/RedmondCentralConnector/
Announcement by City
Graphic by City
Sunday, January 23, 2011
REPUBLISHED: Dr. Kimball unveils plan to cope with severe overcrowding in LW schools
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| Superintendent Dr. Chip Kimball |
REPUBLISHED from 10/11/2010 - Jill, a mother of two with a daughter at Rockwell Elementary, testified to the School Board last night about "the horrors of overcrowding". Jill was shocked when she learned the Rosa Parks Elementary population reached 700 this year and she fears it won't be long for Rockwell. When she moved to the neighborhood 3.5 years ago Rockwell had 480 students. Today it's 610, with new portables and few options for full-day Kindergarten.
Based on Jill's testimony, the overcrowding problem in some elementary schools is real . Data from the input sessions suggested that the District ask for money to deal with immediate overcrowding issues but "not over ask". Superintendent Kimball and the Board agreed on the following proposal for the February, 2011 ballot.
- a $65.4 million, 6-year Levy to pay for new 250-student additions at Redmond High and Eastlake High AND to build nearby a 675 student "STEM" school for grades 6-12.
- the Levy tax is 0.31/$1000 assessed property; or $155/year for a $500,000 house. No financing or interest is applied.
- the "STEM" school core curriculum is "Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math" with a goal to incubate best practices for other schools. STEM will cost $25 million with solid modular construction.
- Juanita High will "not be modernized right now" saving $135 million.
- Kimball's levy measure will cost taxpayers $190 million less than last year's bond which failed by 4%. The Levy only needs and 50% simple majority to pass. Last year's bond required a 60% majority.
- Levy benefits: no HS over 2,000. no meg-high schools. no double shifts. no portables. no excessive busing. permanent classrooms, core gyms and cafeterias. keep space for computers and music.
Results from three community input sessions and a website survey were reviewed by Superintendent Kimball and the Board. Parent and community participants (58%) recommended the District ask for money to deal with immediate overcrowding issues but "not over ask". 69% of the parents said "no not right now" to spending $135 Million on modernizing Juanita High School. Juanita High was built in l971. 70% did not want to eliminate classrooms for music and computers. All-day kindergartens received the most support for solving overcrowding. 70% gave a thumbs down on portables. 68% said yes to two new elementary schools in the next five years. 74% agreed to permanent classroom additions at Redmond and Eastlake High. The statistical validity or significance of the survey was not discussed.
Reported by Bob Yoder
Republished: 1/23/2011
Source: 10/11/2010, Regular Board Meeting archives
Photo of Dr. Kimball from LWSD website
http://lwsd.org/
LETTER: Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Sammamish, and Woodinville allow backyard chickens on average residential lots. Why not Redmond?
Why does it matter if you can raise chickens in Redmond? Three hens can provide an abundance of protein-rich eggs right in your backyard. In addition to being fresh and delicious, some studies have shown “pastured” eggs provide more nutrients than commercial eggs. Food safety is also a growing focus, highlighted by the recent recall of over half a billion commercially-grown eggs.
Redmond is a wonderful city and we applaud their efforts to be livable and green. They’ve taken big steps like building City Hall to be an award-winning “green” building, but the Council continues to resist this small step that would allow individual citizens to contribute to their own health and to Redmond’s sustainable future.
What is more important? Winning an award for installing water-free toilets? Or allowing your citizens to contribute to a more sustainable community one hen (and 1 egg) at a time? If sustainability is really a goal, then Redmond should join all of our surrounding communities and change its ordinance to allow a small number of backyard hens on average residential lots.
As with any issue, it takes more than a few voices to promote change. Please join us by emailing your Redmond City Council at Council@redmond.gov and contact us at chickensinredmond@gmail.com. We are also on Facebook – look for Chickens in Redmond.
The author's email: chickensinredmond@gmail.com
Photo from Google Images
LETTER: Overcrowding at elementary schools may not be real, By Susan Wilkins
OVERCROWDING AT ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS MAY NOT BE REAL
LETTER: As a parent of four students currently enrolled in the Lake Washington School District, I have had many years of volunteering and attending events at their various schools. Over the past decade, my children have attended Mann, Rockwell, Einstein and Rush Elementary Schools, as well as Redmond Junior High and Redmond Senior High. I have had the opportunity to observe day-to-day activities first-hand while volunteering and attending events at the schools. I voted for bond measures, EP&O and technology levies and I-728, the initiative that was passed to reduce class sizes in 2000.
We are now being asked to pass a $66 million dollar levy on February 8 to add additional space at Redmond High School and Eastlake High School and to build a new Science and Technology High School out on SR202 on the lot next to Alcott Elementary. The district has claimed through its mailings and speeches that we are almost out of space for students, that more students are arriving every year, and that soon we will be double shifting or transporting students long distances by bus. While some schools, such as Rosa Parks Elementary at Redmond Ridge and Alcott Elementary east of Redmond are extremely overcrowded, most of the schools in the district are overcrowded because of the way the district defines school capacity and not because there are too many students.
Let’s look at how the district determines whether a school is overcrowded. At each school, the facilities department counts all of the homeroom classrooms in the school and portables, and then multiplies that total by a set number of students per classroom. For elementary schools, the set number of students per classroom is 23. So for example, at Horace Mann Elementary, they have 17 classrooms and 17 x 23 = 391*. Enrollment at Horace Mann for the 2010-2011 school year is 483, so by the district’s definition, the school is very overcrowded.
LETTER: As a parent of four students currently enrolled in the Lake Washington School District, I have had many years of volunteering and attending events at their various schools. Over the past decade, my children have attended Mann, Rockwell, Einstein and Rush Elementary Schools, as well as Redmond Junior High and Redmond Senior High. I have had the opportunity to observe day-to-day activities first-hand while volunteering and attending events at the schools. I voted for bond measures, EP&O and technology levies and I-728, the initiative that was passed to reduce class sizes in 2000.
We are now being asked to pass a $66 million dollar levy on February 8 to add additional space at Redmond High School and Eastlake High School and to build a new Science and Technology High School out on SR202 on the lot next to Alcott Elementary. The district has claimed through its mailings and speeches that we are almost out of space for students, that more students are arriving every year, and that soon we will be double shifting or transporting students long distances by bus. While some schools, such as Rosa Parks Elementary at Redmond Ridge and Alcott Elementary east of Redmond are extremely overcrowded, most of the schools in the district are overcrowded because of the way the district defines school capacity and not because there are too many students.
Let’s look at how the district determines whether a school is overcrowded. At each school, the facilities department counts all of the homeroom classrooms in the school and portables, and then multiplies that total by a set number of students per classroom. For elementary schools, the set number of students per classroom is 23. So for example, at Horace Mann Elementary, they have 17 classrooms and 17 x 23 = 391*. Enrollment at Horace Mann for the 2010-2011 school year is 483, so by the district’s definition, the school is very overcrowded.
Friday, January 21, 2011
LETTER: Plenty of extra space in existing Kirkland schools to house growing student population, By Paul Hall
LETTER: The LWSD is running a levy in February to raise $65.4 million more than they need to house their growing student population. There is plenty of extra space in existing Kirkland schools to house this growth.
The district says it will consider using that space by rearranging attendance boundaries and bus schedules if the levy fails. They admit they already have enough money to provide more high school classrooms in Redmond and Sammamish. It’s unspent money we entrusted to them for modernizing 30 of our schools. So far they have torn down and replaced 21 of those schools instead of modernizing them. They intend to continue this practice for the remaining 8 schools. The district will consider using some of the unspent money to alleviate the housing shortage instead if the levy fails. The rest of the money would still be available for modernization of those 8 schools.
The district says it will consider using that space by rearranging attendance boundaries and bus schedules if the levy fails. They admit they already have enough money to provide more high school classrooms in Redmond and Sammamish. It’s unspent money we entrusted to them for modernizing 30 of our schools. So far they have torn down and replaced 21 of those schools instead of modernizing them. They intend to continue this practice for the remaining 8 schools. The district will consider using some of the unspent money to alleviate the housing shortage instead if the levy fails. The rest of the money would still be available for modernization of those 8 schools.
OPINION: Response to Hall on school modernization", By Kathryn Reith
OPINION: In response to a recent letter: Paul Hall is correct that the school board could hold a hearing to determine if it should use money approved by voters in 2006 to do modernization projects and instead use it to provide additional secondary classroom space in Redmond and Sammamish. The schools remaining in the second phase of the modernization program are Muir, Sandburg, Keller, Rush, Bell elementary schools, International Community School and Rose Hill Junior High. Only Rush Elementary does not serve any Kirkland students. Mr. Hall proposes that the district take money for promised projects affecting Kirkland and instead provide more space in Redmond and Sammamish.
He incorrectly assumes that LWSD could have saved millions in its modernization program by not building any new buildings. The state recommends building new if the cost of a remodel is more than 40 percent of a new building. The projected life span for a new building is considerably longer than for a remodeled older building. The district’s threshold for determining if a new building would be more cost effective generally is if the remodel costs more than 80 percent of the cost of a new building, so our hurdle is twice as high. The district commissions a study that provides a cost estimate for new building versus remodel for each project. The board of directors votes on the plan for each building after receiving this information. We will post the information on the completed projects at www.lwsd.org so taxpayers can see how these decisions were made.
Kathryn Reith, LWSD
Source: Kirkland Reporter, 12/28/2010
He incorrectly assumes that LWSD could have saved millions in its modernization program by not building any new buildings. The state recommends building new if the cost of a remodel is more than 40 percent of a new building. The projected life span for a new building is considerably longer than for a remodeled older building. The district’s threshold for determining if a new building would be more cost effective generally is if the remodel costs more than 80 percent of the cost of a new building, so our hurdle is twice as high. The district commissions a study that provides a cost estimate for new building versus remodel for each project. The board of directors votes on the plan for each building after receiving this information. We will post the information on the completed projects at www.lwsd.org so taxpayers can see how these decisions were made.
Kathryn Reith, LWSD
Source: Kirkland Reporter, 12/28/2010
LETTER: Redfin's "Insider Report" for Seattle and Eastside real estate market
"The number of homes sold surged in some unexpected places. Kirkland and Renton saw an increase of over 46% from November to December. Seattle stayed relatively flat losing a mere 2.2%. Only Redmond saw a true decrease of 22%." Redfin, 1/20
Good Afternoon,
I wanted to give you a heads up that we published the latest "Insider Report" for the Seattle /[eastside] real estate market.
We take all sorts of qualitative and quantitative data and roll it up for monthly look back at the market, then we predict where we see the market going in the near future.
For this report the main takeaways are:
- Sales volume was shockingly up most of December. Buyers are out there.
- We are seeing some prices increasing, but it's too early to tell if it's a lasting trend.
- Inventory is pretty stale, so if you have a house to list, do it sooner rather than later.
Please [comment or] let me know if you have any questions or need additional information.
Thanks,
Michelle Broderick
Redfin Marketing Director
206.227.2062
1/20/2010
LETTER: Vote "Yes" on the Capital Projects Levy. 450 new students per year for next five years expected
LETTER: On February 8th, Lake Washington School District will ask voters to approve a 65.4 million dollar capital projects levy to address critical needs for classroom space. This past fall, district enrollment grew by 600 students. Projections show an increase of 425 to 450 students per year for at least the next five years. Most of this growth is on the eastern side of the district in new developments, but other areas are also seeing a resurgence of young families.
The current levy measure, if passed, will pay for additions to both Eastlake and Redmond High Schools and the construction of a new specialized secondary school for grades 6-12 focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Combined, these additions will address the district’s immediate needs to reduce overcrowding.
Last year the district asked our supportive community to approve a bond of over 200 million dollars. They had hoped to take advantage of lower construction costs to address overcrowding for a longer term. Voters, stressed by the economic downturn, said, “No. This is too much right now.” But the additional students have not gone away and in two years, will exceed available space. This new, scaled-down levy targets only the most critical space needs. With construction time, the voters must act now to make sure there will be enough classrooms in two years.
As PTSA liaison to the levy committee, I am frequently asked, “How do I make someone with no students in the schools understand the importance of this levy?” We all enjoy healthy, vibrant communities. Quality schools are a priority for people moving to our area, drawing families who value education. When people want to move here, property values are retained and our cities remain desirable places to live. Healthy communities spawn and support business and strong businesses provide jobs. It is all part of an interdependent web, and at its core are quality schools.
A press release from the Seattle King County Realtors announcing its endorsement of the levy includes the following paragraph:
(Kristen) Greenlaw, a REALTOR with Windermere Real Estate Northeast in Kirkland, said good schools are a priority for prospective home buyers. “They’re often the first thing homebuyers ask us about,” she remarked. Schools unify and define communities, she noted, adding, “Good schools are essential for preserving the value of family homes. They are critical for economic vitality and job creation. But most important, quality schools are crucial to the futures of the students in the Lake Washington School District.
By Wendy DeLong
PTSA liaison and volunteer coordinator for the Lake WA Citizens’ Levy Committee
Member of the Lake WA PTSA Council Board of Directors for 10 years
Past president of the Lake WA PTSA Council (2007-2009)
The current levy measure, if passed, will pay for additions to both Eastlake and Redmond High Schools and the construction of a new specialized secondary school for grades 6-12 focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Combined, these additions will address the district’s immediate needs to reduce overcrowding.
Last year the district asked our supportive community to approve a bond of over 200 million dollars. They had hoped to take advantage of lower construction costs to address overcrowding for a longer term. Voters, stressed by the economic downturn, said, “No. This is too much right now.” But the additional students have not gone away and in two years, will exceed available space. This new, scaled-down levy targets only the most critical space needs. With construction time, the voters must act now to make sure there will be enough classrooms in two years.
As PTSA liaison to the levy committee, I am frequently asked, “How do I make someone with no students in the schools understand the importance of this levy?” We all enjoy healthy, vibrant communities. Quality schools are a priority for people moving to our area, drawing families who value education. When people want to move here, property values are retained and our cities remain desirable places to live. Healthy communities spawn and support business and strong businesses provide jobs. It is all part of an interdependent web, and at its core are quality schools.
A press release from the Seattle King County Realtors announcing its endorsement of the levy includes the following paragraph:
(Kristen) Greenlaw, a REALTOR with Windermere Real Estate Northeast in Kirkland, said good schools are a priority for prospective home buyers. “They’re often the first thing homebuyers ask us about,” she remarked. Schools unify and define communities, she noted, adding, “Good schools are essential for preserving the value of family homes. They are critical for economic vitality and job creation. But most important, quality schools are crucial to the futures of the students in the Lake Washington School District.
By Wendy DeLong
PTSA liaison and volunteer coordinator for the Lake WA Citizens’ Levy Committee
Member of the Lake WA PTSA Council Board of Directors for 10 years
Past president of the Lake WA PTSA Council (2007-2009)
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Evergreen Medical Center / Redmond opens March 21
24/7 EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT + FULL LAB + IMAGING + SPECIALTY & PRIMARY CARE
URGENT CARE + LAB + IMAGING + PRIMARY CARE - EXTENDED HOURS
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| Don't know where to go? What to do? Stay Home? Doctor? Urgent Care? ER? Ask a friendly nurse at: 425.899.3000 No charge - tax dollars at work. |
Re-published: State Budget Cuts Hit Lake Washington School District
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| Superintendant Chip Kimball |
Re-published 12/14/2010 LWSD Press Release
Redmond, Wash. – The state legislature held a special session on Saturday, December 11th, to address the more than $1 billion state budget shortfall. Budget reductions approved in that session will cut state education funding to Lake Washington School District (LWSD) by an estimated $1.7 million in the middle of the school year.
The district’s financial approach has been very conservative over the past several years. Not only have cuts been made but long-term financial planning has resulted in reserves that can now help weather this storm. These efforts have resulted in reserves in excess of the five percent of general fund revenue required by the Board of Directors. Dr. Chip Kimball, superintendent, stated that the district will use these excess reserves to cover this unexpected mid-year reduction in state revenue.
OPINION: State Rep. Ross Hunter: "Answering Emails"
I’m sitting at my desk in Olympia answering email, mostly about the budget. Lots of people are writing in about different subjects, but all have the same theme – protect MY program. This is pretty interesting and useful data, but it’s hard to make decisions based on it.
For example, I get a lot of mail about preserving “gifted education”. The state sends out tens of millions in this category every year, with an equal amount going to every district based on student population. State funding makes up about 15% of what is spent in this area every year, so 85% of the money is coming from local sources, mostly your local levies. The state budget line item is about $30 million per year, or about 0.3% of annual state school budgets. There are many other programs that distribute money the same way – evenly based on student count.
Ever think about why we don’t just combine all of these small items into one single pot? Read More >>
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| State Representative, 48th District Elected chairman of the Ways & Means Committee |
For example, I get a lot of mail about preserving “gifted education”. The state sends out tens of millions in this category every year, with an equal amount going to every district based on student population. State funding makes up about 15% of what is spent in this area every year, so 85% of the money is coming from local sources, mostly your local levies. The state budget line item is about $30 million per year, or about 0.3% of annual state school budgets. There are many other programs that distribute money the same way – evenly based on student count.
Ever think about why we don’t just combine all of these small items into one single pot? Read More >>
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
"Thinking Redmond" - Kimm Moore's small business catering service
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| Kimm Moore of Sweetness Catering |
"Chai-spiced cupcakes with mocha butter cream, dusted with cinnamon and cocoa power".
Wow! Doesn't that sound delectable?
Kimm sent me home with these sweets after her interview with RNB last week in the "Microsoft Commons" lobby.
Yes! they're absolutely one of the best cupcakes I've ever wrapped my watering mouth around (next to my mom's cupcakes of course)!
Kimm Moore is a Redmond resident of two years. Her family are natives of Woodinville. She has two brothers; her mother works at Overlake School. Kimm started her part-time pastry catering business, "Sweetness Catering", about a year ago with wedding cakes and custom cupcakes. She already averages over two events per month. Kimm's full-time job is culinary and pastry chef for the Spitfire Restaurant in Redmond's "Microsoft Commons".
When we first met for the interview, I knew right away Kimm was perfect for the business. Her warm smile, and friendly, engaging personality are just as sweet as the pastry catering craft she practices. In fact, some of her customers even call her "Sweetness"! Kimm is passionate about the pastries she creates, the people she meets and it shows in her work.
"I love baking for other people because it makes me a part of their lives and their special events."
Kimm's a professional. She trained at the Art Institute of Seattle where she received her Associate of Applied Culinary Arts. In Seattle's First Annual Cupcake Camp, Kimm received "honorable mention": for "Kimm-Chi" Cupcakes and second place for Healthy Cupcakes. She placed third overall National Bread Baking Competition in Vancouver, BC. She also works with the Overlake School, in Redmond, making v.i.p. desserts and vegan/gluten-free baked goods.
Kimm has dreams of expanding her catering business. Six months ago she started a blog to reach out to Redmond's "foodie-people". She loves to blog about specific ingredients (like vanilla), kitchen tips (like sifting), and pastry ideas. Since interviewing with RNB Kimm started a interview-series on local businesses: "Know Where to Spend Your Dough"! You are awesome, Kimm! Happy Blogging!
Blog: http://sweetnesscatering.blogspot.com/ Email: kimm1231@live.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sweetness-Catering/144591878909899?v=wall&filter=1
Interview with Bob Yoder
Photo from Kimm's blog
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