Support Schools First: Vote YES February 6

On February 6, 2001, Seattle voters have the opportunity to renew two school levies. A three-year levy ($338 million) supports school operations, replacing the levy passed in 1998; and a six-year levy ($398 million) would support new construction or renovations at 16 schools and additions at three schools, located throughout the district. The capital improvements levy replaces the Building Excellence Program passed in 1995. For additional information on the levy program, please contact Schools First: www.schools-first.com, (206) 283-5549.

AIA Seattle became involved in this issue through "Messages from Young Leaders," the fourth annual exploration of youth advocacy in design, conducted with the University of Washington Center for Environment, Education, and Design Studies (CEEDS). In late 2000, Washington architects joined with K-12 youth in a study of "What We Learn from the Places We Learn In." Their findings confirmed once again the positive impact that good school design can have on the learning experience - and committed architects to get involved alongside young leaders in advocating for quality in learning environments.

In January 2001, AIA Seattle conducted a Member Poll involving approximately 500 contacts, generating overwhelmingly positive interest in taking a position on this issue and favoring support of the levies. The AIA Seattle Board of Directors appreciates the time Members took to express their opinions, and reviewed the survey responses at the regular meeting of January 17. On the basis of Member concerns and on the merits of the levy program as presented, the AIA Seattle Board of Directors urges Seattle voters to go the polls on February 6 and to vote YES for the school levies.

The following observations may assist positive consideration of this investment.
� The physical condition of places of learning has an enormous effect on the quality of the educational experience - especially on our youngest citizens. School design can significantly contribute to - or detract from - student achievement. In local, state, and national policy, AIA advocates for programs that address these issues affecting educational quality. The levy program of new construction and additions will add capacity in neighborhoods that have experienced or anticipate the burden of increasing school populations. In addition, the plan addresses rehabilitation concerns, to preserve and adapt landmark facilities in communities throughout the city. The plan for physical improvements effectively addresses critical areas of need and concern.
� In order to deliver a curriculum that will prepare students for a changing world, school facilities need to accommodate new and changing technologies. Preparation for living and working in a wired world must incorporate adaptability to emerging technology - whatever paths students may follow in their global future. The capital levy includes key technology support in Seattle schools.
� K-12 students and their families want their schools to support "communities of learning." In "Messages," young leaders almost universally identified social support as critical to their positive experience of learning - and noted the failure of their school facilities to accommodate informal interaction and group activities. Passage of the levies makes possible the incorpo-ration of design that brings new life to learning communities.
� Studies in the arts add humanity to education. Like many of our fellow citizens, architectural professionals believe the arts and humanities have an essential place in education - not merely as "extra" or supplemental elements, but central to basic learning. The levy operations program includes support for arts programming as well as other essentials.

PLEASE VOTE YES FEBRUARY 6! Your vote in Seattle's February 6 election will help create and maintain facilities designed to support educational quality.

Reference: AIA Seattle Advocacy