I am writing in support of the Lopez School Construction Bond proposal that will be on the ballot in April. This bond will cover a campus-wide renovation of both the elementary and high school.

I’ve spent a lot of time in this school, as a substitute teacher, and volunteer. I know that we currently have one of the lowest school tax rates in the state, and I know in these harder economic times, we need to think differently. That’s what I like about the school board’s approach.

We are not talking about a new school from the ground up, which is always a temptation. Amazingly, the architects and engineers chose the renovation plan of $15.5 million over an entirely new school of $35 million, stating that there was a lot of life left in the existing facilities. The renovated school will be designed to last at least 30 years.

The renovation will not only make our gymnasium safer from fires – ever notice that there is no sprinkler system in there? – but will upgrade the facility to save thousands of dollars in energy costs. It will enable this community to finally have a school kitchen that can be shared with the community, and accommodate local food, rather than that processed stuff sent from afar.

Based on a facility assessment conducted two years ago, the school infrastructure alone needs for more than $6 million in replacements, repairs, and upgrades. I like the board’s approach. It makes fiscal sense to me to do more than the band-aid work, but more importantly, it inspires me for the future of our students and community.

Rhea Miller

Lopez Island