In a unanimous vote Thursday night, Bainbridge Island School Board directors threw their support behind a $81.2 million capital bond to build a new Captain Johnston Blakely Elementary and a new BHS 100 Building.

District 4 Director Tim Kinkead was not present, but Board President Mev Hoberg cast a proxy vote for the proposal on his behalf.

Board Vice President Sheila Jakubik opened the discussion, stating that with an expected life of 75 years, it made sense to build the best facility possible.

“I don’t think it’s smart to cut back,” she said.

Board Member Patti Fielding, who is stepping down from her District 1 seat this year, was the most vocal participant, asking Tamela Van Winkle about the community’s response to the various proposals.

She later expressed her support for the larger venue and affirmed the need to properly communicate the various benefits to the public. Board Member Mike Spence closed the discussion, declaring his strong support for the 600-seat theater option and urging others to think of their grandchildren and great grandchildren who could be using the venue in 2090.

“Why would we do anything but the best?” Spence asked.

The $81.2 million figure reflects a $1 million increase from a previous proposal of $80.2 million for a new Blakely and BHS 100 building with a 600-seat theater.

According to Director of Facilities Tamela Van Winkle, the increase came about after sitting down with Mahlum Architects for a thorough campus analysis.

Before the board made their decision, they heard from Blakely Principal Reese Ande, Van Winkle and financial advisor Dave Trageser.