District plans bond

The Snoqualmie Valley School District board of directors is moving closer to a resolution for a 2009 bond measure that would relieve overcrowding at Mount Si High School and make upgrades and repairs to existing buildings.

District spokeswoman Carolyn Malcolm said exact dollar amounts weren’t final, but the bond would be significantly smaller than the three previous measures that narrowly failed.

The new measure, which is being considered for the March 10, 2009 ballot, would purchase modular classrooms, as well as land for future campuses.

It would also pay for a conversion of Snoqualmie Middle School, which will likely be used as either an annex or satellite to Mount Si at some point.

“They wouldn’t convert SMS 100 percent to the high school next year, but possibly the following year,” Malcolm said. “Enrollment will help drive the timing on that.”

The plan looks very different from the failed proposals, Malcolm said, and focuses on meeting the most immediate needs.

After three near-misses, the board is aiming to “reduce the dollar amount and fully utilize existing resources,” Malcolm said.

With local enrollment growth slowing, the district doesn’t need new schools as critically, she said.

The board is also keeping in mind the role that the unstable economy might play on voters’ willingness to pay higher property taxes.

District Superintendent Joel Aune will present a formal proposition at the next school board meeting, set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23. The meeting is open to the public and will be held at district headquarters, located at 8001 Silva Ave. S.E. in Snoqualmie.

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