Letter to the Editor: the Children's Center building is simply worn out

To the Editor:

I am writing to express my support for the upcoming Shoreline Schools bond proposition.

As a parent of Shoreline students, I support the replacing of the two older middle schools. However, as an early childhood educator at the Shoreline Children’s Center, I am especially excited about the addition of an early learning campus for our district. Research shows that an investment in early education is a proven boost for our community. Children who have access to quality preschool programs earn more, are more likely to graduate from high school and are more likely to attend college. They are less likely to repeat grades or get in trouble with the law as they get older.

The idea for an early learning center is very forward thinking of the Instructional Programming Committee and I am grateful for them being cognizant of all of our learners.

As a member of the Shoreline community, I take great pride in working for the Shoreline Children's Center and feel connected to the families it serves. I hear heartwarming stories from parents who attended the school as children and Grandparents who remember it being built in 1956. However, this building has never been remodeled and it is showing its age in many ways. These aren’t small cosmetic issues or “band-aid” repairs. Our structure is simply worn out. For example, we were forced to close down for two days in December for plumbing issues, which I’m sad to see have not been resolved. Our walls are cracked and the wood is exposed and hazardous. Our electrical system needs modernizing. Most importantly, the building wasn’t designed with early learners in mind. To be blunt, open plan buildings and young children aren’t a safe combination. We can do better.

Please join me in voting yes for this bond.

Kathleen Fleming
Shoreline