September 16, 2010
| Contact: |
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Kathryn Reith, Communications Director |
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(425) 936-1342
kreith@lwsd.org |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Redmond, Wash. – In elementary schools around the district this September, the scramble was on to find enough classroom space for all the students arriving through our doors. Hundreds more students showed up than last year, exceeding increased enrollment projections. By the fall of 2012, there will be over 1,000 more students in our system than our classrooms can accommodate.
The district is already taking action to find space for students. In elementary schools, specialized classrooms such as computer labs, music/science rooms and art rooms are being converted to general classroom space. Portable classrooms are being added where needed and the school site has space available.
The move to four-year high schools in the fall of 2012 actually helps the situation, by moving students out of our overcrowded elementary schools and moving students into the high school level, where more space is available. That move, though, while relieving elementary school space needs, creates space needs at two of our comprehensive high schools, Eastlake and Redmond High School.
Your input is needed!
Please attend one of three input workshops to give the district your preferences and advice for meeting these space needs. There are low cost options, such as running two shifts at some high schools (students attending only morning or only afternoon) and changing elementary school boundaries. Other options require funding measures to be passed by voters, such as a levy to add classrooms on to high school buildings or building new schools. Your advice will help the school board determine what, if any, measures to put on the ballot next February.
Come in any time during the hours scheduled in this open house format to get information, ask questions, take the survey and make comments.
Input session schedule:
Tuesday, September 28, Eastlake High School, 6-8 p.m.
Thursday, September 30, Juanita High School, 6-8 p.m.
Wednesday, October 6, L.E. Scarr Resource Center, Redmond Town Center, 5:00-7:30 p.m.
Alternative – web survey
If you cannot attend one of these sessions, the information and survey are available on the district website. The survey will close October 7.
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About Lake Washington: Lake Washington School District is a high-performing public school district serving Kirkland, Redmond, and Sammamish, Washington. It is the sixth largest district in the state of Washington, with over 24,000 students in 50 schools.