Bond measure is essential for BI schools | LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Published 9:49 am Friday, February 5, 2016

To the editor:

I’m writing to support the Bainbridge Island School District’s capital projects bond – Proposition 1 – that will provide a new 100 Building and Performing Arts Theater at BHS, and a new Blakely Elementary School. The bond will also provide essential renovations and maintenance to all of our school facilities.

As a homeowner on Bainbridge, and a proud parent of the Bainbridge Island School District, I feel it’s my paramount duty to support public education.

Fortunately I’m not alone in that feeling of duty. I’m one of many in this amazing community that gives their support to our school system. That’s a major reason why I live here, and why I’m so proud to be the principal of Sakai Intermediate. Students’ educational opportunities happen because of the supportive community, and the dedicated professionals in the BISD.

My hat is off to the amazing educators, volunteers and students at Blakely that have endured inadequate learning spaces. To continue with good old Blakely in its current state and spend money on short-sighted band-aid repairs is fiscally irresponsible, and will continue to be a true safety concern. Repairs would be costly and short-sighted as to the current and future needs of students.

Likewise, the BHS 100 Building that houses special education, the arts and the growing Career Technical Education program, is inadequate. A new building here will support the opportunities in these programs, address structural concerns that limit growth in these programs, and provide a needed arts theater to showcase the talent in our community.

Join me in voting “Yes” on Feb. 9. Thank you.

JIM CORSETTI

Bainbridge Island