Event Highlights 'Urgent Need' For LWSD Levy Approval

From the Lake Washington Citizens Levy Committee: Kamiakin Middle School is in the fast-growing Lake Washington School District. Kamiakin was built in 1975 to house just 579 students. Over the next decade, Kamiakin will grow in enrollment to nearly 750 students, 30% overcrowded. In the same time frame, across all of Kirkland, middle school enrollment will exceed available capacity by nearly 900 students which is the size of an entire middle school. This overcrowding not only impacts middle schools in Kirkland, it impacts all grade levels, across all cities in LWSD.

To address the growth and overcrowding while continuing to fund existing staff and educational programs, LWSD has put forward the bond and levies for the February 13th special election. Due to good fiscal planning, we can fund these needed measures while decreasing the local tax rate.

The bond will provide more classroom space to help relieve overcrowding. The levies will provide the funding needed to maintain the district’s excellent educational staff and programs, maintain and invest in technology, repair and improve facilities, and implement measures to help keep students safe. The bond and levies fund needs not covered by state funding.

Good schools build a stronger community, improve our quality of life, keep crime down, and increase the value for everyone. We are excited to come together as a community to Rally for LWSD Kids.

Rally on January 29 as part of the largest Red Monday yet!

Date: Monday, January 29th

Time: 7:30 a.m.

Where: Sidewalk in front of Kamiakin Middle School, 14111 132nd Avenue NE, Kirkland, WA 98034. Parking is available across the street.

Who: Elected officials, community members and parents across the district, including Kirkland Deputy Mayor Jay Arnold and Kirkland City Councilmember Penny Sweet.

What: Supporters will be wearing red and waving signs. Students, families, and staff will join in a Red Monday Pep Rally for LWSD Kids. There will be a short program of speakers at 7:45 a.m. on the sidewalk in front of the school plus availability to speak with media after. The Kamiakin Jazz Band will also share their talents and perform.

This is part of a districtwide Red Monday event – supporters will be near schools during the morning commute, waving VOTE YES signs. Watch for photos on social media #Yes4LWSDKids and #redMonday

For more details on the February 13th bond and levies, visit here.

Media contact for more information: Karen Waters at 206-334-0822 or karenw@strategies360.com.

Image via Shutterstock