Is this a hostage situation? In the previous bonds Cheney School District asked only for money to fund renovation to our high school. The latest bond proposal adds classrooms and security measures to our elementary schools.
Why weren’t these included on the two previous bonds? At what point did the district have an “ah-ha” moment? Imagine it. “Hey, there aren’t secure entrances to the older elementary schools and look they are using portables!” These needs appeared to be hiding in plain sight.
Using the elementary schools needs to run cover for the ever expanding high school raises some questions. The district itself has stated that 40 to 60 acres are the recommended size for a high school site.
Cheney High sits on about 25 acres. The district says smaller neighborhood schools best serve our children but insists on building a “mega” high school.
I support the need for security entrances at all our schools and additional classrooms. Expenditures for a second concession stand, a third gym, and yet another theater at the high school seems like someone’s wish list. The high schools’ want list has a price tag of $35.1 million dollars.
The district now indicates that they will be forming a committee to study sites for future schools including a second high school. If this is an honest proposal by the district, then shouldn’t we control increasing the size of CHS? When does this “future” become another bond request?
What the district needs more than anything is an honest relationship with ALL the families it serves. The district needs to heal the perception that it is being manipulative. It is embarrassing. It hurts the district.
One last question — who funds the pro-bond committee? Answer: NAC (architects for middle schools) $1,500, Design West (architects, latest district plan) $500, Harlow (just delivered a new bus to District) $1,000, OAC Services (construction managers middle schools) $1,500, and Garco (district construction) $478.32. These numbers come from the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission. Look it up.
Please vote NO! Let’s engage in an honest discussion.
Susan Johns
Cheney
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