Bethel: Support our students and community

This Feb. 9, we are asking voters to support a School Improvements and Safety Upgrades Bond. This measure addresses growth, safety and security concerns; fixes and replaces our aging schools; and improves health and wellness facilities.

Included in this bond is an aquatic center. Over the past decade our school board has completed six studies focused on a pool’s feasibility, liabilities and community need. The center is well researched to maximize cost effectiveness. Its size and family-friendly features are designed to increase revenues and lower operating costs. And, because it’s an instructional facility, one-third of its construction cost will be paid for by the state.

Bethel is one of the largest school districts in Washington. Yet it is one of the few districts that doesn’t have a pool. This center will allow us to teach our children to swim, supports Title IX compliance and serves as a gathering place for our community.

Business and community leaders have expressed widespread, strong support for the aquatic center. It will generate new business opportunities, increase property values and is key to building a better future for our community.

For more bond information, visit www.bethelsd.org. Thank you for your continued support.

(Seigel is the superintendent of Bethel School District.)

This story was originally published January 26, 2016 at 10:13 AM with the headline "Bethel: Support our students and community."