Marvista Elementary welcomed students to their new building on the first day of school. The main components of the building -- classrooms, lunchroom, and common areas -- were completed on time and on budget. Finishing touches, such as landscaping and playfields, will be completed in the next few months.

The community is invited to a Grand Opening Celebration scheduled for Thursday, September 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. There will be a short program beginning at 5:45 p.m., with tours and dinner following.

Principal Rebekah Kim commented, “Our students and staff are so excited about the new building. It provides space for great learning opportunities and for our community to gather - with the school as the centerpiece.”

Marvista, located in Normandy Park, is the twelfth new school to be completed in Highline since 2004. The construction projects have been financed by bonds approved by voters in 2002 and 2006. Prior to 2002, no school construction bond had been approved since 1986. During that 16-year period, the district was unable to replace aging buildings.

“We had a long list of old and outdated schools that needed to be replaced,” said Superintendent John Welch. “We are grateful that the community saw that need and approved the funding to allow us to build schools that are safer and provide the current technology our students need to compete in today’s world.”