Northshore School District is excellent steward of our money | Letter

Published 1:26 pm Monday, April 15, 2013

I would like to take the opportunity to respond to Richard Pelto’s well-timed letter regarding the Northshore School district administration facility. As many remember the old administration center was located in the Ricketts building in downtown Bothell. The Ricketts facility was originally an elementary school constructed in 1948. As the district grew this building no longer met our needs and was becoming increasingly expensive to maintain.

In 2002, the school board asked voters to approve a $12.5 million bond for a new administration facility.Once approved the board received reports on possible locations, vacant land and building design.Construction and land costs came in at $18 million, above what voters approved. Then the Monte Villa property became available: large facility, ample parking, centrally located. This 6-year-old property had originally been built for $17.5 million. The district was able to purchase it for $6.4 million, well below its original value and well below what voters had originally approved.

I agree with Mr. Pelto, it is a beautiful building, which includes many “extras” we would not have approved on a new construction. This deal was definitely a win for our schools and community.

As co-chair of the 2014 levy/bond committee, I hope this purchase serves as an example of how our district and boards are excellent stewards of our tax dollars.

B-Z Davis

Co-chair Citizens for Northshore Schools