On behalf of the Committee for Mercer Island Public Schools (CMIPS), we would like to thank the many volunteers, donors, endorsers and voters who supported the school facilities bond measure. We were honored to be able to lead the group of energized citizens who bonded together to work hard for passage of the board’s strategic, long-term solution to our overcrowded schools. We’re disappointed that we fell short, but are pleased that the School Board and campaign raised the public’s awareness of the overcrowding in our schools and the complexities of addressing this problem as our schools age.

We urge the public to stay alert to opportunities to provide input to the School Board as it considers it options for moving forward. For example, at Thursday’s board meeting, the board announced that it will host ‘listening sessions’ during which community members can share their views. Please be sure to follow MISD’s website for more information. You can also communicate your opinions to the board by email to all board members, whose email addresses are listed on the district website.

CMIPS, which exists only as a campaign committee, will disband shortly. When the board appears close to presenting a new bond measure to the public, CMIPS will re-form with volunteers who support the board’s new proposal. It is an open committee, and we encourage everybody who believes in their plan to join.

Bill Hochberg and Carrie George