Bragging rights

Bragging rights from a "Blog'n Bob"

Lexie

My daughter Lexie graduated from LWSD, K-12, "future ready." According to Lexie, she had lots of very good teachers along the way, but several really stood out for her. She felt lucky to have Mr. Town, a nationally recognized environmental science teacher. Lexie is soft spoken and remembers Mr. Anderson "made" her do a skit, taking her out of her shell.  As a high school student she loved helping Ms. Leonard teach her Horace Mann students. To this day they are good friends.   

I'm proud to say, Lexie graduated from Gonzaga cum laud with a double major in Biology and Environmental Studies and last week graduated from University of Montana with a Master of Science in Environmental Studies.  She was "spotlighted" in UM's annual "Vision" publication (page 23.)

Okay, I'm done with my boasting...for now!!  

But there's more!  Police Chief Kristi Wilson earned a "Masters in Organizational Leadership" from Gonzaga University. And, it's my understanding Rob Odle, Director of Planning and Development has a son who graduated from the Zag engineering department. I've heard Mr. Odle speaks highly of "community" at Gonzaga.

"Townsquared," Online Community for Small Businesses partners with OneRedmond

After successful Seattle launch, Townsquared expands to King County, Eastside neighborhoods; partnering with Bellevue Chamber of Commerce and OneRedmond

SEATTLE - May 16, 2017 -- Townsquared, the only online community and mobile app designed to help small businesses connect and share resources with each other, today announced another major milestone — the expansion of its community into the Eastside neighborhoods outside of Seattle.

The launch is the culmination of an ongoing partnership between local community leaders, small businesses, and Townsquared staff.

Now, local entrepreneurs will have access to the company's  emerging suite of services, which include its events, its platform, and its soon-to-launch business tools.

The Watershed Preserve

Credit/ C.O,R,

The Watershed Preserve - General Informaiton 

OPINION: Leadership at Lake Washington School District

UPDATED, 5/11/17. An aspect of LWSD culture is promoting executives from within. For local governments is this always good policy?

Note an excerpt  from City University of Seattle, Student Profile, Academy School of Education, March 3, 2012.

"In the Fall of 2011, the board [presided by President Jackie Pendergrass and influenced by Superintendent Dr. Kimball] decided they were going to focus on internal candidates only so the grade reconfiguration transition could be smooth and initiatives like the STEM choice school could be continued without a hitch. Dr. Pierce is known in the district for putting students first and leading through inclusion and collaboration. The board of directors voted unanimously to hire Dr. Traci Pierce as the district’s new superintendent, beginning July 1, 2012."  

Looking back, was hiring our Superintendent without a regional or national search good policy considering the district's size and budget and importance of the position?   Why rush the decision without leaving time for a community task force and consultant advice? Running the district smoothly and without a hitch for one-four year initiatives is critical and challenging...reference grade reconfiguration and passing bonds. Yet, hiring a Superintendent is a seminal event with long-term consequences.  We are fortunate and blessed Dr. Pierce is proving to be a strong leader.     

During last night's Board meeting two students from Lake Washington High School eloquently described personal "inclusion" problems at their school. To watch the students speak, advance the tape to the Public Comment "dot."  This meeting is a good opportunity to watch our Superintendent, Board President Dr.Christopher Carlson and V.P. Siri Bliesner in action. At the meeting Siri recommended emphasis in "executive limitations" for mathematics next year. (EL7.) Both are strong leaders and we are lucky to have them.

Toby Brenner, the Principal of Frost El. gives a terrific presentation at the beginning of the meeting. He was hired by Associate Superintendent Dr. Jon Holmen. Jon's job is "the meat and potatoes" of LWSD. We are very lucky to have him, as well.

Bob Yoder

Redmond Learning Community

City plans transition from Old Redmond Schoolhouse

Dr. Mary M. Goings, President of LWIT and OneRedmond
Board member. Dr. Goings received a standing ovation at
the Mayor's "State of the City" breakfast this month.

As part of the Lake Washington School District’s long-term facilities planning, the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center will be remodeled for district preschool programs, which serve special needs and low-income families. The renovated school will include 10-preschool classrooms, a gym, and a commons area. The current lease agreement between the City and the District will end effective June 2018 to allow time for renovations. The City and the District are working together as the use of Old Redmond School House Community Center (ORSCC) changes. During the short-term transition time, recreation programs at ORSCC will be relocated to the Redmond Senior Center, Teen Center, LWSD schools, and potential leased space at the Lake Washington Institute of Technology RedmondCampus (20,000 sq ft.) 

The recommended leased site will not only absorb current programming but will allow for additional program demands such as arts, culture, camps and family programs. Lease costs are estimated at approximately $500,000 per year with additional funds needed (approximately $100,000) for the decommissioning of the Old Redmond Schoolhouse and staff moving costs. Staff recommends these costs be supported through Real Estate Excise Tax collections received in 2016 over forecasted amounts. The temporary solution allows the City to use capital money until a more permanent resolution is agreed upon. Lease terms are in two year increments.

Time Restraints:  Due to the timeframe for registration of programs and renters needs for communicating to their organizations; staff recommends that small modifications be made to the Redmond Senior Center and Teen Center in July 2017 to accommodate varied programming. All programming recommended to relocate to the above two sites is encouraged to move by Fall 2017 for a smooth transition. This will give time to provide marketing support and identify any facility operational issues. The potential leased space (Lake Washington Institute of Technology) is available now, staff recommends to relocate in the late fall of 2017. This will allow for time for decommissioning of ORSCC and the commissioning of LWIT facility for programming, marketing and outreach to the community in preparation for full implementation of programs and services starting in first quarter 2018.

-- May 9th Study Session, Agenda III
redmond.gov

What's this?

Credit/ Ingunn Markiewicz

What is this?

Credit/ Ingunn Markeiwicz
Powerline Trail

He/she is a Western Screech-Owl, probably foraging for small animals in the Sammamish River riparian-forested habitat.

It's pretty amazing I can walk 20 minutes to this little guy's home; and walk 20 minutes from my home in the opposite direction to urbanized Downtown Redmond.

Ingunn is an excellent writer and photographer.  She has a fascinating blog about motherhood, trail running & hiking:
www.trailsnail.com 

Proposal to Boost Funding for Arts, Science and Heritage on King County Ballot

Seattle - In August, King County voters will have the chance to boost funding for arts, science and heritage education and access. Yesterday the King County Council voted 7-2 to place "Access for All" on the August 2017 ballot.  "Access for All" would provide funding for more than 350 arts, science and heritage organizations throughout the county to expand education for public school students and increase access to diverse experiences for low-income and middle-class families. Smaller, community-based organizations that serve traditionally under-served communities would be eligible for twice as much funding. If approved by voters on August 1, 2017, "Access for All" would raise the county sales tax by 0.1 percent -- just one penny for every $10 spent, or $30 a year for the average King County family.

New Design Review Board Members Needed

Internet photo

Opinion:  We need a resident on the Board who cares about the aesthetics of our downtown, Overlake and the Marymoor Sub-area.  Don't you think it's about time the City set new color standards other than bland earth tones?  New materials?  New architecture? The developers have been getting great deals with our low-cost building standards at a time when incentives aren't needed. The City's Development Manager Steve Fischer oversees all the developer design applications, yet never once has he and the Board presented Design Standards to Council.  It's long time our City Council leaders held a joint study session with the DRB. 

 Redmond, WA.  If you are a design professional and care about the quality of architecture and landscaping in the City of Redmond, consider applying for a vacant position on the Design Review Board. The City of Redmond is looking for new members for its Design Review Board; two (2) design professionals and one (1) resident position.

Volunteers on the seven-member Design Review Board review and make recommendations to City Council on site plans, landscape and architectural design and colors and materials for commercial, industrial and multi-family projects.

UPDATED: Downtown Walkability - Yesterday and Today

In 2012 the Downtown Walk Score was 95.  Today's Score is 82.  Of course, you'd never believe it with all the construction downtown..

This is a city video describing how walkable our downtown was in 2012.  It gives a good perspective on how the city's grown in just five short years.  Good for a chuckle, too.

 The walk score for all the apartments in the downtown is HERE.

Special thanks to Michael Leccisi for clarifying this piece.

Downtown Park Groundbreaking Slated for May 10

A video from five years ago...

REDMOND, WA - The public is invited to attend the upcoming groundbreaking for Downtown Park, where the first shovel will be turned to make way for the final phase of the project. The Downtown Park groundbreaking celebration will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 10, 2017, at the project site on Cleveland Street between 161st Ave. NE and Leary Way NE. The evening will include a short program, groundbreaking ceremony, and opportunity for attendees to ask questions and learn more about the park.

“This groundbreaking marks an important milestone for the park and Redmond residents and businesses, as we take our next step in creating a complete and vibrant downtown area. The park will be a gathering place for the neighborhood as well as provide a unique venue for events for the entire community in the near future,” stated Mayor John Marchione.

Actual construction is expected to start in June and the park is projected to open in summer 2018.  Planning for the Downtown Park included extensive public input to determine key features—which include a pavilion and stage performance area, splash pad, dining grove, and raised lawn with deck and seating.

Parking for the ceremony is available in the public parking lot at Leary Way and Bear Creek Parkway (entrance off of Bear Creek Parkway), as well as on-street.

 - City Communications

Status of New School Projects

The Old Redmond Schoolhouse will be re-purposed by the Fall of 2019.  It will be closed for construction in the Fall of 2018.  

New Middle School – Redmond Ridge Click here for more information.   Project Information​ ​ ​Location: Redmond Ridge Drive NE and NE 99th Place, Redmond Ridge East ​Square Footage: 134,000 ​Capacity: ​900 students ​Spaces: 24 standard classrooms, instrumental and vocal music, special education, art, lab science, CTE, library, cafeteria/commons with stage, and gymnasium ​ ​Estimated Project Cost: ​$77,592,000 ​ ​Planned Opening: ​2019 ​ ​Neighborhood boundaries: ​Boundaries will be developed in a process including public feedback during the 2018-19 school year.

​New Elementary School – North Redmond Click here for more information.   ​ Project Information​ ​ ​Location: 172nd NE and NE 122nd, Redmond ​Square Footage: ​78,000 ​Capacity: ​550 students ​Spaces: ​30 standard classrooms plus music, art/science rooms, ELL/SN/special education, library, cafeteria/commons, gymnasium, and outdoor covered play area ​ ​Estimated Project Cost: ​$43,257,000 ​ ​Planned Opening: ​2018 ​ ​Neighborhood boundaries: ​Boundaries will be developed in a process including public feedback during the 2017-18 school year.

​New Elementary School – Redmond Ridge East Click here for more information.   ​ Project Information​ ​ ​Location: Eastridge Drive NE, Redmond Ridge East ​Square Footage: ​78,000 ​Capacity: ​550 students ​Spaces: ​30 standard classrooms plus music, art/science rooms, ELL/SN/special education, library, cafeteria/commons, gymnasium, and outdoor covered play area ​ ​Estimated Project Cost: ​$43,257,000 ​ ​Planned Opening: ​2018 ​ ​​Neighborhood boundaries: ​​Boundaries will be developed in a process including public feedback during the 2017-18 school year.

Aging Schools Juanita High School Click here for more information. Project Information​ ​ ​Location: 10601 NE 132nd Street, Kirkland ​Square Footage: ​217,000 *Field House & Pool remain "as is" ​Capacity: ​1,800 students (increase of 504) ​Spaces: ​36 standard classrooms plus science labs, art, CTE, special education, instrumental and vocal music, library, theater, cafeteria ​ ​Estimated Project Cost: ​$145,477,000 ​ ​Planned Opening: ​2021

​Peter Kirk Elementary School Click here for more information. Project Information​ ​ ​Location: 1312 6th Street, Kirkland​ ​Square Footage: ​78,000 ​Capacity: ​550 students (increase of 190 based on K-3 class size reduction) ​Spaces: ​30 standard classrooms plus music, art/science rooms, ELL/SN/special education, library, cafeteria/commons, gymnasium, and outdoor covered play area ​ ​Estimated Project Cost: ​$44,987,000 ​ ​Planned Opening: ​2019

Margaret Mead Elementary School Click here for more information. ​ Project Information​ ​ ​Location: 1725 216th Ave NE, Sammamish ​Square Footage: ​78,000 ​Capacity: ​550 students (increase of 158 based on K-3 class size reduction) ​Spaces: ​30 standard classrooms plus music, art/science rooms, ELL/SN/special education, library, cafeteria/commons, gymnasium, and outdoor covered play area ​ ​Estimated Project Cost: ​$44,987,000 ​ ​Planned Opening: ​2019

Other Projects ​Explorer Community School Click here for more information.  ​ Project Information​ ​ ​Location: 7040 208th Ave NE, Redmond (at Dickinson Elementary) ​Square Footage: 3,000 ​Capacity: ​75 students ​Spaces: ​4 modular, including 3 standard classrooms and support space ​Estimated Project Cost: ​$1,664,000 ​Planned Opening: ​2017

​Old Redmond School House Click here for more information. Project Information​ ​ ​Location: 16600 NE 80th ST, Redmond ​Square Footage: 40,000 ​Spaces: 10 preschool classrooms, gymnasium, cafeteria / commons ​Estimated Project Cost: ​$7,837,000 ​ ​Planned Opening: ​2019

LWSD recognized nationally for green cleaning practices

Recognition from American School & University Magazine

Redmond, Wash. – Lake Washington School District (LWSD) received the “Grand Award for K-12 School Districts” from American School & University Magazine. This award recognizes healthy and sustainable approaches to cleaning to protect health without harming the environment.

“As a district, we have a long-standing commitment to sustainability,” said Dr. Traci Pierce, superintendent. “I am proud of our custodial staff’s sustainability efforts that also protect student and staff health.”

UPDATED: City and School District Vision Statements

The Community's 2015 City Vision Statement:

"In 2030, Redmond citizens will describe their community as one that is complete, offering a wide range of services, opportunities, and amenities. It’s a community that has acted to maintain a balance among the three pillars of sustainability, while accommodating growth and change. As a result, Redmond’s high quality of life, cherished natural features, distinct places, and character are enhanced. The community’s evolution has successfully woven the small town feel of older, established neighborhoods with the energy and vitality of Redmond’s urban centers. The result is a place where people are friendly, often meet others they know and feel comfortable and connected. It is a place where diversity and innovation are embraced, and action is taken to achieve community objectives. It’s a place that is home to people from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, which contribute to the richness of the city’s culture." 

A councilmember recently told me a new community Vision Statement will be written in 4-5 years. Will the community write it for 2040 or 2050?  Is that why?  Or, could it have something to do with the One Redmond Foundation? I don't think they were in existence in 2015.  

The Lake Washington School District's 2014 Vision Statement is:

"Every student will be Future Ready, prepared for College, the Global Workplace and Personal Success."

The District's Statement is excellent; it's clear, concise and easily shared.  It's a useful tool for Public Relations. 
  
-- Bob Yoder