If approved by voters, passage of Proposition No. 1 would authorize the Vashon Island School District No. 402, King County, Washington to issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $9,997,500, maturing within 21 years of the date of issue, for the purpose of making improvements to school facilities to provide the students of the District with adequate, proper and safe educational facilities, and to levy excess property taxes sufficient to pay the bonds.

Such improvements include upgrading the track and field at the High School, improving the Middle, Elementary and High Schools, constructing a new maintenance facility and making other capital improvements. The projects include necessary equipment, supplies, appurtenances, and services to complete the projects.

Exemptions from taxes may be available to homeowners who are 61 or older, or disabled, and who meet certain income requirements. For more information, call the King County Department of Assessments at 206.296.3920.

Now is the time to update vital VISD facilities. By voting “Yes” for Proposition No. 1, we move forward with necessary upgrades and replacements. Our school board is obligated to maintain district assets, and will continue to ask for our support until these projects are addressed. Let’s tackle these issues now to avoid higher costs in the future. The school board listened to voters after rejection of a $26.9 million bond proposal in 2016 and, with the community’s input, has worked hard to hold costs under $10 million. Proposition No. 1 will add less than $5 per month in property tax to a $500,000 home.

Beyond the financial incentives, a “Yes” vote now will offer benefits to our school campuses and our community at large. The turf field will minimize our environmental impact, saving 1.5 million gallons of water per year. Renovations to school buildings and construction of a maintenance facility will improve safety and extend facility life. The all-weather functionality of the track and field will accommodate year-round use by our students, island youth and active adults sorely in need of adequate playing fields.

Our assets are aging, costly and out-of-date. Let’s move forward with a “Yes” vote.

Submitted by: Todd Pearson, Mark VanDevanter, Carrie Van Buren, toddpearson@fastmail.com

No statement submitted.

Statements in favor of and in opposition to a ballot measure are submitted by committees appointed by the jurisdiction. No persons came forward to serve on the committee and to write a statement in opposition. If you would like to be involved with a committee in the future please contact the jurisdiction.

60% yes vote and a minimum turnout of 3,103 voters (Washington Constitution art. VII, sec. 2(b))

For questions about this measure, contact: Jodi Burwell, Board Recording Secretary, 206-463-8533, jburwell@vashonsd.org