UPLACE: Quality schools help property values

The Town Center project in University Place has been controversial; creating a first-class contributor to the economic and social well-being of University Place is a worthy goal that is not easy to achieve.

RON LUNCEFORD; University Place

Published: 01/30/10 12:05 am

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The Town Center project in University Place has been controversial; creating a first-class contributor to the economic and social well-being of University Place is a worthy goal that is not easy to achieve.

But my point isn’t about whether that project is worthy of support. It is that University Place already has a very substantial business that is undeniably worthy of support, a proven, vital key to the economic and social well-being of this community. On Jan. 13, The News Tribune strongly endorsed it. It is the largest employer in University Place and yet it may not be recognized by some as the powerful force it is.

The residents of University Place have enjoyed a quality of life, and a special sense of community, not to mention strong property values, because of it. When people move with their families to this area, they learn well ahead of time about this award-winning business. Most consider it the No. 1 attractor in their home-buying decision.

What business is this? It is the business of education as conducted by the local school district. The University Place School District has managed, maintained and educated in a way that richly deserves voter support.

University Place schools are a consistent and positive force for economic success and pride in the surrounding community, and they will continue to be that force, provided University Place residents simply vote yes for the maintenance and operations levy on Feb. 9. (Lunceford is CEO of Windermere Real Estate/Paragon Co. in University Place.)

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