6 reasons why I am supporting the new high school project.
- Moses Lake High School has the 2nd highest attendance in the state out of 550 high schools. https://k12.niche.com/rankings/public-high-schools/largest-enrollment/s/washington/
- The high school was remodeled 22 years ago to accommodate 1600 students. Enrollment is at 2226. Which means we are more than 600 over the intended capacity from when it was remodeled. http://www.moseslakeschools.org/files/_RVGYt_/157a52c867b7a7c43745a49013852ec4/Frequently_asked_questions_as_of__6.21.16.pdf
- In 2000 the population of Moses Lake was 14,953. Today it is estimated at 22,082 in city limits. That’s about 47% growth. The US growth rate over the same period is a little over 11%. Our “little” town is growing and it is not slowing down. Projected business growth over the next 10 years is 37%. I think that is exciting. WinCo is the a great step in the right direction (imagine if we had an Italian restaurant!) http://www.bestplaces.net/economy/city/washington/moses_lake http://www.bestplaces.net/people/city/washington/moses_lake
- Having an excellent school district matters to everyone not just those with kids or grandkids in the school district. Good school districts attract top professionals to our community. Good school districts improve home valuations. Good school districts make for better employees. We cannot “kick the can down the road” again. Our schools cannot be excellent without this investment in our future. We are simply out of room. I believe that if we are short-sighted on this vote we will be failing our kids and our community.
- The cost: 135 MILLION. Freak out! Go ahead… get it out of your system. I get it. I’m not a big proponent of raising taxes. But most of the time my taxes get sent out to fund who knows what (like 80 million dollars for unused Afghanistan embassies… really). These funds are staying here. They help all of us improve this place we call home. Now how much is it really going to cost you? The median home price in Moses Lake is $145,800 (http://www.zillow.com/moses-lake-wa/home-values/). This bond is for $1.46 per $1000 of assessed value. That means that the average person will be paying 212.86 a year – that’s 17 bucks a month. I don’t want to trivialize 17 bucks – I live on a tight budget too – but it is doable. It does not break me. And 17 bucks a month for a new high school, a remodeled high school and a new elementary school seems like a pretty good deal. Many hands make light work. Let’s do this together! http://www.moseslakeschools.org/files/_XKFov_/035b503c4414a1fe3745a49013852ec4/MLSD_MAILER_12-2016.pdf
- Obviously I’m for this. I think it will make us a better community, improve the educational quality for our kids, and that it allows us to be part of making a community of which we are proud. Still have questions or concerns? There are two remaining bond meetings you can attend TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 7:00-8:00 PM, Board Room 940 E. Yonezawa Blvd and TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 7:00-8:00 PM, Board Room 940 E. Yonezawa Blvd. Please do not just vote “no” without being fully informed. This vote will have a significant impact on the next generation here in Moses Lake. http://www.moseslakeschools.org/files/_XKFov_/035b503c4414a1fe3745a49013852ec4/MLSD_MAILER_12-2016.pdf
Thanks for listening 🙂
Passionate Grace 
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