MERCER ISLAND REPORTER | www.mi-reporter.com
Schools | FROM 1 district since the rebuilding of Mercer Island High School was completed in 1998. The last major improvement to a school was the $3.4 million expansion of the music rooms at Mercer Island High School, completed last year. While support of public schools from the Island community remains high, capital spending on new facilities has remained flat. Since 2002, Mercer Island voters have approved a total of $43.5 million for capital improvements from ballot issues passed in 2002, 2004, 2008 and 2010; an amount that represents an investment of just over $10,000 per student. In 2010, the school dis-
City briefs City Manager’s I-90 tolling update At the end of 2013, Mercer Island staff worked closely with the legislators during the special legislative sessions to seek funding for SR 520 that would not involve tolling I-90. Staff were pleased that the final proposals discussed during Senate and House negotiations did not include I-90
trict received approval from voters for a $25 million capital improvement levy, more than $12.2 million of which was designated for technology upgrades. The non-technology capital portion of the 2010 bond was spent in part for the following items: $206,000 for security upgrades, $262,000 for paving and resurfacing costs, $3.4 million for a new band wing at the high school, $705,000 in new energy upgrades that include new boilers and energy efficient lighting investments, $764,000 for new turf at the high school stadium, $55,000 for locker room upgrades and $80,000 for Mary Wayte Pool, $27,000 for the
South Mercer Playfields and $85,000 for a special education bathroom and other projects. Over the last few years, the school district has spent $1 million for new portables. Meanwhile other school districts have been investing steadily in new facilities. The Bellevue School District and the Mercer Island School District both often found in top ten lists for student achievement. There are many differences. Bellevue Schools have a highly diverse population and have grown significantly in enrollment in the past several years. Enrollment in the Bellevue School District is presently 18,350 students.
Since 2003, capital levies passed by Bellevue voters have paid for or, are slated to pay for, $800 million of capital improvements at 19 schools. To date, those improvements include $85 million for the expansion and remodeling at Bellevue High School; $125 million budgeted for Sammamish High School and $53.8 million for Tyee Middle School. That amount represents an investment of $43,000 per student. The Vashon School District is in the process of completing a new high school to serve 535 students in grades 9 through 12. The cost, approved by Vashon Island voters, is $47 million.
tolls. Unfortunately, the Legislature did not reach agreement and pass a final transportation package, leaving the question of tolling I-90 unresolved. The Legislature’s regular session has just started and the city is hopeful that the Legislature will again take up transportation funding. The city will continue to work with key legislators to advocate for funding packages that do not involve tolling I-90. City staff will also continue to moni-
tor the Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) environmental impact study of tolling.
sons, entertainment and more. The concert will feature the Emerald Three Trio, with members Robin Lorentz on violin, Ron Walker on the accordion and flute, and Connie Wible on the piano, and keyboards. The event is set for 3 p.m., February 9, at the Mercer Island Community & Event Center, Mercer Room. Tickets $10 per person or $25 per family (3+) Call 275-7609 to purchase tickets.
City “Buy a Key” fundraiser Concert The Mercer Island Parks and recreation Department are holding a “Buy a Key’ fundraiser concert to help purchase a Yamaha Clavinova digital piano for use at the Mercer Island Community and Events Center to be used for les-
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School briefs Free SAT, ACT practice tests at College Tutors Mercer Island’s College Tutors invites collegebound 10th and 11th graders to take a practice SAT or ACT test to gauge their current achievement level and readiness for college entrance exams. All colleges require either an ACT or SAT score to accompany applications. The Free Practice SAT or ACT is at 9 a.m. Feb. 1 or March 25 at College Tutors’ Mercer Island Learning Center at 7605 S.E, 27th #101 Mercer Island. Call (206) 659 4156 to register. Students and parents are invited to a complementary, individualized consultation to review scored exams and highlight areas of strength and weakness. Registration closes 24 hours in advance of each test. For more information contact Roo Mulligan, 206 659-4156, or rmulligan@collegenannies.com
Disney & Dessert event to benefit school orchestras The Mercer Island School orchestras will hold their second annual ‘Disney & Desserts ‘fundraiser at 2 p.m., February 9 at Mercer Island High School. The date was changed after the Seattle Seahawks won the chance to play in the SuperBowl. The family-friendly event will feature a dessert buffet with a wide variety of sweets donated by local bakeries, businesses and Island bakers, with lively performances by the district’s high school orchestra, dressed in costume. There will also be a silent auction. Advance tickets are $10 and can be purchased from MIHS orchestra students or online at TeamOmi.org. Tickets at the door are $15. All proceeds will support enrichment of the Mercer Island School’s orchestra programs, from grades five through twelve.
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