At the Nov. 20 Bethel District board meeting, a public hearing was held on the boundaries for middle and senior high schools. Growth has always been a large factor in the operation of the Bethel District. Where that growth occurs often overcrowds certain school buildings. All it takes is one apartment complex to go up and an elementary might suddenly needs 4 portables.

Dr. Robert Van Slyke, Exec. Dir. of Operations started with a presentation to the board on the process the boundary change committee followed. They sought out public participation in various ways ahead of the meetings. He expects that there will be a final plan ready for board approval by next week. He paid a special compliment to Cathy Carlson from transportation for the work she did on the details for the map changes. Her knowledge of the roads, routes and houses in the district is apparently amazing.

The floor was then opened for public comment.

James Lopez expressed concern over Grand Firs being moved from Graham Kapowsin (GKHS) to Bethel (BHS). His family is former military and he noted that he was hoping that moving from school to school would finally end.

Dave Jasa, who has had a career in the Army was concerned that GK has a program for Army ROTC, but Bethel has an Air Force ROTC program. His family has a long history of service in the Army and he wants his son to be where he can continue the Army ROTC.

Terry Blair spoke about being in a location north of 160^th and east of Canyon that has been moved from school to school before. She said, “As a parent, I feel like my kid is being used as a game piece.”

Dr. Van Slyke responded that this was a point that they hadn’t considered and he would definitely do so in the future.

Lawrence Shepard commented that his daughter had been going to GK, likes it and is getting good grades. He didn’t want to disrupt a good thing.

Andy Anderson commented that he was involved in providing input and wanted to acknowledge the work the committee did to bring fort a proposal. He expressed support for the plan.

The hearing lasted about 53 minutes. As soon as it ended, there was a large rush of people out the door, where some continued to chat.

James Lopez wondered about the rule for kids who are on sports teams. If they ask for a waiver to continue at their current school, would they have to skip a year from their sport. There is a rule in the district that kids who get waivers to change locations cannot play sports for their first year at the new school. (This was intended to prevent kids from moving around to specific schools to bulk up a team.) Mr. Lopez was concerned that for kids that are trying to get into college sports, they need the 4 years consistently in a sports program. Taking the year off might prevent their college aspirations.

After Thanksgiving, any further changes will be made and it is likely the final map will be presented at the December board meeting. Any parents not satisfied with the boundaries can apply for a waiver to move their kids to another building.