Crown Hill project bill pending

Two bills important for funding the Crown Hill project, as well as for capital projects in school districts state wide, are being reviewed in Olympia.

House Bill 3291 and Senate Bill 6872, "The Community Schools Act of 2008," would make available through a competitive grant process, funds for the development of community schools and to convert empty school buildings into community facilities, such as the Crown Hill Activities Center.

The local group Crown Hill Neighbors is actively pursuing the purchase of the surplus Seattle School District property at 9250 14th Ave. N.W.

"We have an opportunity in Crown Hill to acquire open space, as well as a building for arts, education and community space, and to secure this building for continued community use and benefit," said Catherine Weatbrook, a member of the Small Faces Child Development Center, the master tenant of the school building.

Under the proposed act, grants may be used for the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, and facilities improvements. Grant money used by organizations for the acquisition of school district properties have the additional benefit of adding to the capital projects funds in that district, effectively leveraging the money to benefit the community twice.

In addition, school districts that have a plan in place for joint use of some of their facilities are eligible for a 10 percent bump in their capital projects allocation.

The bills effectively leverage funds twice, benefit public schools state wide, and assist in securing permanent facilities for community resources.

More information about the bills can be found on http://www.leg.wa.gov/legislature.