I am writing in support of the 2016 Kent School District Bond. If the measure passes, all schools in the Covington area will see needed improvements with the largest of course being a new Covington Elementary School designed to serve the growing Covington community.

This old Covington school was designed in the 50s and built in the early 60s for a small rural farm town. But a modern Covington needs a modern school as we are now a major economic center of industry, retail and medicine.

Our area population has multiplied many times over since then. Built over 55 years ago for 450 students, the old school simply has not kept up with the demand. The new Covington Elementary will house more than 700 students and if the measure is passed, will open in two short years!

One only has to sit in traffic on Wax Road at the beginning or closing of a school day to know our schools are overcrowded and need expansion and improvement. The new school will be a point of civic pride and offer the best possible facility for our children.

The Kent School District and the city of Covington have been partners in service for decades. That partnership will endure just as the new facility will serve today’s children and their children for decades to come.

Vote Yes on Prop 1! Tax rates will not increase because new bonds will replace expiring ones, yet we will have a new school and other Covington schools will see improvements in safety, athletic fields, and energy efficiency.

Jeff Wagner

Proud dad of Kent school kids

Mayor

City of Covington