School board voters must set priorities

Moses Lake needs a new high school. That is abundantly clear after visiting the existing facility. During peak times, halls are crowded with students, making it difficult for everyone to efficiently navigate their way. Classroom space is at a premium. The school was built in 1959 when our community was much smaller. It’s a different time, with newer technology available and more demands on our students.

District officials are well aware of the situation. Since 2012, two bonds have been presented to voters to build a new high school. The bonds needed 60 percent voter support to pass and both measures failed. The first bond, presented to voters in 2012, received 50 percent voter support. Three years later, the second bond request received 55 percent voter support.

After going back to the drawing board, the following three options were created:

• Build a new, second 1,600-student high school, a new elementary school, and upgrade Moses Lake High School for $135.3 million;

• Expand Moses Lake High School to 2,500 students, upgrade the high school, and build a new elementary school for $106.4 million;

• Build a separate campus for eighth-graders and freshmen, make Endeavor Middle School an elementary school, and expand Sage Point and Park Orchard elementary schools by 80 students each for $108.6 million.

School Board members have been discussing bond options with the public this spring during community symposiums. The last symposium took place earlier this month. One question brought up was the athletic classification of the new high school.

Board member Vicki Groff was quoted by the Herald as saying the best guess is that Moses Lake would have two 4A schools, but that’s not guaranteed. Decisions on classification are outside the school district’s control because WIAA rules dictate classifications.

During an Editorial Board meeting this week, Groff presented a list of frequently asked questions about bond planning, as of June 21. Some of the information was updated after the symposium, including the piece about WIAA classification. At this point, it appears Moses Lake’s student population could only support two 3A high schools, she told the Editorial Board. Moses Lake High School is currently a 4A school.

We can see how the distinction is important to sports enthusiasts, student athletes, parents and coaches. Some students want to play at the most competitive level available and believe that playing against larger schools is the way to do so. We can see advantages to having two smaller schools. More students would likely have an opportunity to play more sports, thereby getting more playing time in the experience or event.

At this point, the Editorial Board isn’t taking a position on which bond option is best for the community. We just know something needs to be done so students aren’t crammed into a building that doesn’t meet their educational needs. We cannot overstate the importance of facilities that support a high-quality education program for our children. Employers and families considering moving to Moses Lake will base their decisions in part on the quality of our schools.

We ask you to not only think about your child’s learning priorities. Please consider the needs of all students, employers and our local economy. If voters can come together on the main issues, such as location and option, that is a good start.

Please visit www.columbiabasinherald.com to read an updated version of the Frequently Asked Questions about the 2017 bond.

— Editorial Board