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Highline Public Schools
15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW Burien, WA 98166

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Highline Public Schools
15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW Burien, WA 98166

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Advisory Committee to Recommend 2022 School Bond 

Advisory Committee to Recommend 2022 School Bond 
CFAC members pose for a photo at end of meeting in boardroom.

Community members from Highline’s volunteer school bond advisory committee overwhelmingly voted to recommend an updated fall 2022 bond package at their March 30 Capital Facilities Advisory Committee (CFAC) meeting.

The proposed $518-million construction bond would pay to rebuild Evergreen, Tyee and Pacific schools, plus a number of critical needs projects across the district, including a new synthetic field at Sylvester Middle School. Estimated school replacement and critical needs project costs are included below.

Proposal Proceeds to School Board

CFAC members will present their recommendation to the school board at the May 18 board meeting. The school board will then consider placing the funding measure on November 2022 ballots. The vote will likely be made in June or July. The last day to file a resolution in King County for the November General Election is August 2.

Proposed Timeline for 3 New Schools

Voters must approve the bond by 60 percent for the measure to pass. If the bond is approved in November 2022, here is the estimated timeline:

  • Proposed new Evergreen High School—open in fall 2025
  • Proposed new Tyee High School—open in fall 2025
  • Proposed new Pacific Middle School—open in fall 2027

The 2016 bond is paying for nearly all the design work for Evergreen and Tyee high schools, plus the initial design work for Pacific Middle School. This saves a year in the typical construction timeline for the two high schools. 

Didn’t CFAC Already Recommend a Bond Package?

Student CFAC member speaks into mic.

In 2019, CFAC members recommended a similar bond package to the school board, intended for fall 2020. Then the pandemic hit, schools went remote that fall and the district pivoted to pass a two-year technology levy that equipped all students and teachers with remote learning tools and connections, plus provided much needed support for the district’s growing digital needs. 

In the three years that have passed since the 2019 recommendation for a $418-million bond, inflation and cost escalation have impacted building costs significantly in a chain reaction experienced throughout the architectural and construction industries. 

District Tax Rate to Remain Stable

One of CFAC's goals is to keep property tax rates stable for district taxpayers. The proposed bond would not increase the projected district tax rate, due to increasing local property values, retiring bonds and expiring taxes,

If property values continue to increase, the district only collects up to the total amount of a funding measure—not more. If property values go up more than projected, the tax percentage rate goes down per $1,000 of value. 

CFAC Meeting Discussion

CFAC members expressed disappointment that time, pandemic impacts and economic conditions have increased the costs for the Evergreen-Tyee-Pacific bond package from $418 to $518 million compared to three years ago. After discussion, 18 out of 19 members voted to recommend the package as presented. CFAC members noted that choosing to wait to rebuild these aging schools will not decrease the costs and stated that Highline students across the district deserve new, modern learning facilities.

Board member Joe Van attended the meeting to listen. The meeting was held at the district central office, with CFAC members and district support staff there in person, plus a handful of members, staff, an interpreter and a presenter participating via Zoom.

Next Steps for CFAC Members:

  • Tour Highline High School and Glacier Middle School in April.

  • Present the updated bond recommendation to the school board at the May 18 board meeting.

  • Continue work on prioritizing the 10 remaining older school sites during next year's CFAC session.

  • Assist at community meetings this fall to help provide bond information if the school board places a bond on the ballot.


Proposed 2022 School Bond Costs

Here is the cost model for the proposed 2022 school bond as presented at the March 30 CFAC meeting.

 

Bond Project
Student
Capacity

Estimated
Construction
Start

Estimated
Project
Cost

New Evergreen High School

1200   

2023 $213,329,507 
New Tyee High School  1200    2023     $189,709,065 
New Pacific Middle School 950    2025     $142,718,735 
Critical Needs Fund --- --- $  17,000,000 
Total Project Costs          $562,757,308 
Bond 2016 Funding      ($  10,133,076)
SCAP* & Port/FAA Funding         ($  34,227,232)
Bond Funding Needed         $518,397,000 

*School Construction Assistance Program (SCAP) - state funding


Here is the list of smaller projects identified as part of a $17-million budget for critical needs included in the proposed bond:

Critical Needs Projects

Estimated
Project
Cost

Replenish the Capital Fund for Emergency Repairs $  4,900,000 
Transportation Building L Replacement $  2,914,407 
Remodel a Site for Virtual Academy $  3,000,000 
Maritime High School - District Contribution $  2,400,000 
Roof Restoration and Remedial Repairs $  1,600,000 
Sylvester Middle School Synthetic Field and 8’ Fencing $  1,200,000 
Painting (Exterior and Interior)   $  1,000,000 

 

Executive Director of Capital Planning & Construction Ellie Daneshnia speaking in mic.

 

CFAC members meeting at tables in person.