I have two elementary-age children in the Mercer Island School District and am very pleased with the quality of education they have received from the teachers and staff. However, I think the current state of the building does not do justice to the quality education they are receiving.

Last year, one of my daughters was in a portable and next year my other daughter will be in a portable. There is no plumbing to this portable, so any trip to the restroom or a sink is a walk outside, across a paved area and into the building. When I volunteered in the classroom to assist with reading, there is nowhere to sit with a student except outside on the porch or to crowd in the back of an already small space and try not to disturb the lesson.

This is in comparison to a school in Bellevue we visited last year in order to attend a chess tournament. This new school was a revelation! Open and bright, with areas and space to work with children individually while not disturbing the class.

The difference between this school and my children’s school was startling. As both a parent of school-aged children and a property owner, it showed me the competition we are up against when new families are making a choice as to where to live.

Our schools are old and crowded and our children and staff deserve better. Please continue the legacy that was supported by past generations of Islanders and keep Mercer Island the destination of choice for families who value an exceptional public education. Support the school bond this April!

Robert Spalding