Posts filed under 'Public Schools'
Vashon Island Events: School Bond Public Debate
On Wednesday, February 11, from 7 – 9 PM, there will be a public debate of the proposed $7.5 million school bond at Courthouse Square. Proposed uses for the money include construction of a new building, the renovation of existing buildings, a new track and synthetic turf playing field,a secondary gymnasium, upgrading of ventilation and other technical equipment, and other capital improvements. The debate will feature school board chair Bob Hennessey speaking in favor of the measure and Hillary Emmer, community activist, arguing against it.
Organizers expect a large crowd and request that only those Islanders undecided or uncertain about the proposal to attend. The event will be aired by Voice of Vashon.
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Add comment February 5, 2009
About Vashon Schools
The Vashon Island School District is located on Vashon Island in the center of Puget Sound. The school district is one of 35 King and Pierce County school districts affiliated with the Puget Sound Educational Service District, a regional support educational agency. Vashon Island is a beautiful place to live, and has the unique advantage of offering a rural lifestyle with access to the greater Seattle-Tacoma area. Vashon Island is comprised of a population of approximately 11,000 residents during the school year. During the summer months, the island is a popular outdoor summer residence and tourist retreat for boating, water sports, and other outdoor recreational activities. At the northern tip of the island there is access to complete ferry service to West Seattle (Fauntleroy), foot passenger/bicycle only service to Coleman Dock in Seattle, and service westward to Southworth on the Olympic Peninsula. The southern tip of the island accommodates the ferry route to Point Defiance in Tacoma.
The community has high academic expectations for the school district and has supported its maintenance and operations levy over the last twenty years, as well as a capital bond of $20.1 million in 1990. In 1997, voters passed a 4-year replacement maintenance and operations levy which will provide funding stability into the 21st century. In addition, several local organizations, including Partners In Education, a Parent/Teacher/Student Association, Vashon Allied Arts and the Vashon Community Scholarship Foundation contribute generously to support students and the schools.
Vashon Island School District has about 1,600 students who are served in three facilities: Chautauqua Elementary School (pre-primary through grade 5); McMurray Middle School (grades 6-8); and Vashon Island High School (grades 9-12). In addition, our district offers FamilyLink and StudentLink designed to provide programs for learners outside the traditional school setting. The annual general fund is about $10 million, of which approximately twenty percent is raised through local school district levies approved by Vashon voters. Our small District size is a major advantage in providing small class sizes and personalized services to students and parents.
Community, board members and staff encourage an exploration and development of innovative curricula that will enhance each student’s learning experience. Curriculum plans assure thoughtful and continuing planning and articulation of the K-12 program. There is a high rate of volunteerism to assist in various capacities throughout the system. A full complement of student services is available.
Add comment October 21, 2008
