[EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a Letter to the Editor, written and submitted by a verified resident. It represents the opinion of the author, and does not necessarily reflect the views of South King Media or its staff.]

I am a high school principal, but I am writing as a private citizen to share my perspective on the Highline bond and levy.

I have worked in public education for 15 years as an educator and principal. I have worked in old, outdated buildings and also brand new sites. At Evergreen High School, I have experienced firsthand the difference a modern school building can make in the lives of students, staff, and the broader community.

Having led in both an aging, open-campus environment and a modern, purpose-built school, I know the difference is about much more than appearances. A thoughtfully designed school makes it possible to approach student safety, teaching and learning, and community in ways that simply were not possible in our former setting.

Modern buildings incorporate secure entrances, improved visibility, and safety systems into their design. Purpose-built classrooms provide spaces that better support instruction, collaboration, and the diverse needs of learners.

Just as importantly, a well-designed school can foster connection and belonging, which create the conditions for learning and achievement. At our new campus, attendance is up, grades and learning are up, and our school culture is thriving! These improvements are helped in so many ways by our new and well-designed campus.

This is why the upcoming Highline Public Schools ballot measures deserve thoughtful consideration.

Proposition 1, the school construction bond, addresses the physical spaces where students learn. It would replace or rebuild aging schools, improve safety and accessibility, and address critical building needs. My experience has shown me that these investments are not simply about replacing old facilities. They are about creating environments where students and educators can do their best work.

Proposition 2, the technology levy, addresses another essential part of today’s educational environment. Students and teachers depend on reliable devices, internet access, instructional tools, and secure technology systems. These resources support classroom learning, communication, and the daily operations that help schools function safely and effectively.

Buildings and technology serve different purposes, but both contribute to the educational experience we provide our students. A modern learning space matters, and so do the tools that allow teaching and learning to happen within it.

As voters consider these two measures, I encourage them to think about what we want our public schools to make possible. What environments do we want for our children? What conditions should educators have to help students learn, grow, and feel that they belong?

I have seen what becomes possible when a school building is designed to support its mission. Every student deserves a learning environment that takes safety seriously, supports meaningful learning, and creates opportunities for connection.

Investing in schools means investing in the people who fill them every day. Our students, educators, families, and communities deserve that thoughtful consideration—one I hope our community will rally around and approve.

– Joe Boyer
Principal, Evergreen High School

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