This is a recent letter from Superintendent Tom Seigel to the County Executive, Council, Board members and district staff. The District has presented the issues of lack of resources to the County on several occasions. Currently the County is working on its biannual budget.

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Dear County Council Members and County Executive,

We have completed our initial student count and Bethel School District has grown 260 students this year. For perspective purposes, that is equivalent to 1/2 of one elementary school. This level of annual growth can be anticipated over the next two decades as population projections indicate that we will receive 51,000 new residents in the next 17 years.

This student growth highlights that while the current level of county resources to this area is inadequate, the situation is only going to become worse until this area is reprioritized.  Other parts of the County have far more resources.  County related resources that are currently needed include restoration of bus service along 176th between Pacific Avenue and Meridian, (as recommended in the draft South Pierce County Intermodal Transportation Study); at least one new library (probably in Frederickson due the impact of the in “neighborhood corridor” zoning); additional parks throughout the northern 1/3 of the Bethel School District to provide parks within walkable distances; install sidewalks in the most critical corridor’s; and provide resources for homeless families.

This student growth also highlights the need for a change in the Impact Fees to reflect the true cost of housing new students, particularly for students coming from multifamily housing for which Bethel school district receives no funding whatsoever this year.

Yours,

Tom Seigel