Superintendent's Message

October 2009

Dear Shoreline Schools Community,

Shoreline has ranked number one and number two in Seattle Magazine's annual review of the 110 best-known Seattle-area neighborhoods the past two years. Reasons given have included Shoreline's "lauded school system" and this year's comment was, "Good schools make good neighbors in this diverse, family-oriented community." Undoubtedly, the reputation of our community is integrally connected with the quality of our schools and many families will tell you that they “moved to Shoreline for the schools."

There is a quality of life in the Shoreline Schools that has thus far survived the decline of K-12 funding in our State. Those qualities include a registered nurse at each school during all student hours, a full-time certificated librarian in every school, a classified library technician at each school site, a family resource advocate in all elementary schools, two office support staff in all elementary schools, security monitors in every secondary school and a 350-to-1 ratio for all secondary counselors. No other school district in our region provides all of these amenities for students, families and staff.

In the past few years, Shoreline has been able to make significant improvements in our elementary and middle school facilities. New modular buildings provide music and before/after school care for our elementary children, and new flooring, roofing, playfields and athletic fields enhance our sites.

Over the years, however, the quality of our high school facilities has fallen behind those in surrounding districts. The upgraded facilities at Edmonds-Woodway, Lynnwood, Meadowdale, Roosevelt, Ballard, Garfield, Bothell and many other high schools around us provide 21st century academic, secure, efficient and environmentally-sustainable community resources that are the pride of their respective neighborhoods.

With the 2006 bond measure our community began the process to modernize/renovate the 48-year-old Shorecrest facility and the 34-year-old Shorewood facility. Shorewood was originally created by remodeling Butler Junior High, built in 1953 and Ronald Elementary School, built in 1951.

Recently, the conceptual schematic designs for our two high school sites were unveiled. The next step in the process will be to take the decision regarding the future of these two high school facilities to our voters in February. Please take the time to become informed and knowledgeable about the future plans for Shorewood and Shorecrest High Schools. The site plans for both buildings can be viewed on the District website.

Sincerely, Sue Walker