2017 Moses Lake School District construction bond

The MLSD has submitted another construction bond for $135 million to voters this February, to build a new High school and grade school. The School Board claims to be listening to the community but after two failed bonds they’re still asking for the same thing, expecting different results. Hopefully voters will realize there are other good options that are significantly less costly and will accomplish the same thing.

For about $65 million, MLSD could remodel ($15 million) and expand ($50 million) the existing high school to accommodate up to 3,000 students. The proposed grade school would cost another $20 million, making that total bond about $85 million. That would take care of the senior high needs here for the next 25-30 years, assuming our community continues to grow at the current rate.

That’s a $50 million dollar savings to local taxpayers compared to what MLSD officials are asking for. They claim they just want decent facilities to handle our growth but they tacked on a premium price by adding a second high school. The money saved by this alternative proposal could build two more grade schools ($40 million) which will also be needed in the next 25 years.

American students rank No. 1 in the world for money spent on their education but their academic performance is mediocre. Out of the top 40 nations, we are 18th in literacy, 22nd in science, and 28th in math (PISA Test). Our student’s performance is not hindered by the lack of funding, but rather is due to government inefficiency, teachers unions, and inattentive parents. We need to quit blaming taxpayers for the lack of funds and reverse the real dysfunction that permeates our public schools.

Taxpayers are not content with “business as usual,” as witnessed by the recent elections. We expect our public officials to provide better services at lower costs. Two small high schools are too expensive for our community to own, maintain, and operate. Please vote “no” on this bond and send a message to our school officials to provide a proposal that is efficient, cost effective, and satisfies our community needs.

Gary Ash

Moses Lake