Q: I am wondering when you will have the 2009-2010 calendar available. I am trying to figure out if the kids will go back to school in September since it usually starts the Wednesday after the Labor Day holiday. Since it is so late this year I am wondering if they will go back the week prior for a few days. I am planning a vacation around that holiday and need to know the school schedule.

A: The school calendar is negotiated between the district and the teacher’s union. It has not been finalized yet although there has been some discussion about starting prior to Labor Day because of how the calendar falls this year. Generally, the calendar is “tentatively agreed upon” by late May. I’m sorry we don’t have a definite answer for you, but we won’t know until the two groups finalized their negotiations on this subject.

Q: Over the past several years I have witnessed schools in better shape than HHS getting remodeled or completely re built. Are there any plans to renovate HHS or at least get rid of the mildew filled ceiling tiles in the cafeteria? The bathrooms are completely disgusting and I am ashamed of the district for ignoring minor repairs.

A: Thank you for asking about Highline High School and the capital building plan.

Prior to the 2002 bond measure, a task force made up of community members, parents, staff, and city and local leaders reviewed the Study and Survey required by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. The Study and Survey details the physical condition of each school building owned by the district. The task force then prioritized the projects and selected which projects would be put before the voters for consideration in the 2002 and 2006 bonds. The order of school replacements was determined solely through this public process.

We are beginning a similar process to address the next phase of construction needs. A citizen’s committee has been formed and held their first meeting on March 3, 2009. The committee is again made up of community members, parents, staff, PTSA and Highline Citizens for Schools representatives, and five expert members with experience in construction and city management. They will be holding a series of meetings over the next few months to conduct critical analysis of the needs and prepare a long-range plan for capital construction for Highline Public Schools. The committee will present their recommendations to the Superintendent in late May or early June. Because of its age and condition, Highline High School could likely to be part of phase I or II of this plan.

As for the second part of your question, any time you see a cleaning or safety/maintenance issue, it should be brought to the attention of the school office so a work order can be initiated or the custodian notified to address the issue.