Build a new West Seattle school? Rebuild an old one? BEX IV levy-input meeting set

Five years ago, Seattle Public Schools went to voters with the Building Excellence (BEX) III levy, which included money to build a new Denny International Middle School on the campus of Chief Sealth International High School, renovated as part of the project. After the vote, some community members complained they weren’t really aware that an unprecedented shared campus would be created as a result of the levy.

We can’t speak for what led up to that levy, since WSB wasn’t a news service then – but we CAN tell you that the next BEX levy (IV) is being planned now, and here’s your chance to speak up loud and clear about what you think should (and, maybe, should not) be part of it: The district has just announced three meetings to “share information and ask for feedback about options for possible building-construction projects to be included” in the levy, which goes to voters next February. One is in West Seattle: 6:30 pm April 5th, at Denny (whose old site, now an open field, might be used to build a new school, if that winds up in the levy).

Alvis March 6, 2012 (1:03 pm)

At least for public safety reasons, I think the #1 on a list of major construction proposals in West Seattle ought to be demolition of the rotting Genesee Hill elementary building.

Creekside March 6, 2012 (5:44 pm)

I’ll challenge you to that #1 contender Alvis! And at the same time raise a toast to your most worthy goal! My #1 is making sure that the STEM program starts and STAYS at Boren and that the building is not allowed to be vacated by SPS, sit around empty, languish and be the consistent nasty magnet that it is. Last point is all the more important now that the DESC is coming to the area.

Beach pup March 6, 2012 (8:19 pm)

The reality is that the school district will ALWAYS maintain an interim school site in BOTH the north end, and south end of the city….. In the north, it is (and most likely always will be….) Lincoln. In the southern end of the city, it is ( and most likely will remain…) Boren. A school district this size has to maintain interim sites for housing populations during renovations, etc….. Both sites suit that purpose very well, and would cost too much to turn into permanent, up to code schools.

Oliver March 7, 2012 (9:52 am)

My money is on a new building at the old Denny site for the STEM school.

sal March 7, 2012 (10:41 am)

When are the other meetings?

Fiwa Jcbbb March 7, 2012 (3:39 pm)

Rotting Genesee Hill building? That school is totally rebuildable, there were kids there a few years ago. We miss ’em.

2012 Kindergartener Parent March 7, 2012 (8:38 pm)

As mentioned by the deputy superintendent at the district STEM meeting at Denny last TH, Boren will be needed as an additional site for secondary students as the current bubble moves up the grades (I believe Denny is already overcrowded). I think West Seattleites will have more luck advocating for WS priorities that are also efficient for the District.

mamaof2 March 9, 2012 (10:35 pm)

Here’s information regarding the meetings:

The community meetings will be held:
• 6:30-8 p.m., Tuesday, April 3, 2012, at Eckstein Middle School
• 6:30-8 p.m., Thursday, April 5, 2012, at Denny International Middle School
• 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, 2012, at Mercer Middle School

Public School Advocate March 11, 2012 (11:25 am)

Check out Melissa Westbrook’s post – http://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2012/03/catching-up-on-bex-iv.html#more

She said, “Arbor Heights (arguably the worst building in the district except maybe Meany)”

I’ve walked through many schools in the district and would have to agree with this one. West Seattle’s #1 BEX priority should be to rebuild Arbor Heights.

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