Comments on: Update: Arbor Heights Elementary burglarized again

By: Ann

Ann — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 19:04:03 +0000

The classrooms have blindes that are put down every night. The laptops were secured and the theives had a fair amount of time to unsecure and take them. The building is in bad shape and the district needs to do the right thing and help make the building more secure. It is also a safety issue for staff staying after hours to work. The building may not be rebuilt for many years and some upgrades need to be made ASAP to secure the building.

By: AH Parent

AH Parent — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 18:55:55 +0000

The computers were taken (2nd time) from Mr Fisks class. My son is his student. It’s not surprising – the classrooms are easy targets on that side with the extra door leading out, bushes hiding the chain link fence etc, low traffic street. I assume someone has knowledge of what’s in the rooms or can you see it all from outside? Most of the windows are so fogged up I am not sure what you can or can’t see.

By: Paget

Paget — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:30:09 +0000

It is unfortunate for the children to lose their resources, but it also seems rather senseless to replace any computers that are not going to be secured. While the entire building is not going to be rebuilt any time soon, why not have one windowless room with double locking deadbolts or something along that line? Laptops are small, they could be moved out of the classrooms at the day’s end without a huge amount of effort.

By: Ann

Ann — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 19:43:08 +0000

Unfortantely the school is an easy target and did not take much effort to get in.

I was told that the district security did not even respond to first alarm alert during the previous burglury.

I heard that the district won’t cover the losses, is that true?

By: derrick

derrick — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 23:15:32 +0000

If they are spending $1800 per computer they are paying waaaaaaaay too much

By: StringCheese

StringCheese — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 23:06:05 +0000

Bonnie, thank you for clarifying. That bites. Royally. I don’t imagine that any insurer in their right mind would insure a building in AH’s condition anyway. Wow.

By: Bonnie

Bonnie — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 15:01:02 +0000

On the other hand, I have to wonder if a few computers were stolen out of the offices downtown I assume they would be replaced ASAP. But that wouldn’t happen because they have secure buildings. What is to say that it is safe for our children? It takes 23 minutes for the police to get there. If it’s that easy to get the doors off…just saying…

By: Bonnie

Bonnie — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 14:59:51 +0000

StringCheese, I believe that since the district is self insured that they don’t actually have insurance but proved that they have enough money on hand in case of an emergency. So the district is CHOOSING not to replace the computers.

By: Longtime AH resident

Longtime AH resident — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 07:47:31 +0000

Dispicable. Anyway us arbor heights people can get together and start a fundraiser?? It is what we AH parents and residents do best.

By: StringCheese

StringCheese — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 06:50:17 +0000

Could someone please explain the insurance situation in more detail?

By: AH Neighbor

AH Neighbor — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 05:12:33 +0000

I am sad for the students and faculty. Wish peoples moral compass was better directed-stealing from kids is the lowest of low.

By: AHdaddy

AHdaddy — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 05:02:19 +0000

Bonnie called it.

The state has been found guilty of underfunding and neglecting their public education obligations. Their response is essentially. “What are you gonna do sue us?” And don’t fall back on the argument that people just don’t want to pay because Seattle is very good at approving school levies. Even though I am not for it I understand why school vouchers have gained traction.

By: Frustrated Parent

Frustrated Parent — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 04:16:05 +0000

Unbelievable. The PTSA gets a grant for new computers because the district can’t afford it, but the district can’t protect its buildings, and the district doesn’t have insurance. No business would operate like this, and yet that’s what we get with our current school funding levels.

By: Jill Loblaw

Jill Loblaw — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 04:12:53 +0000

I second Laura’s idea.

By: Laura

Laura — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 01:37:31 +0000

Could a community fundraiser help replace these?