Finding solutions to school overcrowding

What is the best method of solving the overcrowding issue at Moses Lake High School?

There are many opinions about the best way to go about this.

A $9.3 million construction bond was presented to voters in 2012, which failed to receive the required 60 percent voter support by about 10 percent.

During the past two years, school board administrators and board members discussed the overcrowding issue and solutions at length. A demographic study was also done outlining the following solutions: add another high school, expand the existing Moses Lake High School or move to a year-round schedule.

A bond committee was formed to explore the idea of asking voters to approve a bond.

Until a new bond is approved, the plan is for year-round school to begin in 2016, with 2015-2016 being set as planning years. We can see why the district went this direction, but have some concerns. Depending on parents' work schedules, time with their child could be significantly reduced. There's also a strong possibility children could be left unsupervised if parents are unable to make other childcare arrangements. This issue then becomes a problem on larger scale in terms of child safety and juvenile crime.

To help the district find a workable solution, take the bond planning committee survey. It can be accessed through the school district's website under "Bond Planning Survey," and the district's Facebook site. If you're not on either of those sites, the direct survey link is https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MLSDbondsurvey.

People who have mailboxes in the 98837 zip code area will receive mail copies of the survey by Sept. 29.

Surveys must be completed by Oct. 6. We encourage Moses Lake School District families to take part.

- Editorial Board