Guest Opinion: What We Need to Do For Our Schools

By Keith Whitaker
Orcas Island School District Business Manager

I think it’s great that more people have gotten involved in the discussion of the school bond. However, I am disappointed to see the same questions or concerns repeated, often by the same people, even after they have been thoroughly addressed. This doesn’t promote genuine dialogue.

I would like to clarify a few key points that have generated many questions and comments.

The bond plan was not predicated on increasing enrollment. The plans arose out of the real need to repair or replace existing buildings to provide a safe and healthy environment for our existing students.

Plans do not call for ‘an expansion’. The current version anticipates only a small increase in the square footage of the school facilities, calling for repair and replacement of existing program spaces, not ‘new buildings’ for ‘new programs’. The specific needs were determined based on a detailed set of educational specifications, available for public review since 2007.

Renovation of the middle school was considered, but would cost more than new construction.

Maintenance has been an issue, but did not create the need for this bond. The current state of the facilities is a direct result of our failure to adequately invest in the school’s infrastructure 30 years ago.

The need for ongoing maintenance is clearly understood and is an integral part of project planning.

The bond plan was developed through an extensive (4 year) public process. Discussion can continue after the bond passes. The bond is an authorization to move forward, but does not lock in any particular design, size or configuration.

Over the course of this process, virtually all of the questions being raised now were researched and debated by the board, administration and community. The decisions that have been made were based on the results of that research and discussion and on expert advice.

Schools are expensive to build, but the Board and Administration are committed to addressing the needs of our schools in the most cost-effective way possible.

The bottom line is: This is what we need to do for our schools.