Comments by Doceo

Doceo 3 months, 2 weeks ago on Local track record on school construction solid

Local track record on school construction solid

Barracuda - You are constantly referring to a different protocol for addressing excess bond funds. You are correct that the school district replaced a dilapidated and dangerous facility with the remaining bond funds from the Edison election. Now district employees have much safer and effective working environment. This is almost as bad as a bridge to nowhere in Alaska!!! (sarcasm intended) The school board has clearly indicated that they will return any excess funds related to the upcoming bond that will only be used for updating the high school. You are beating a dead horse. It is dead, dead, dead. Move on!

Doceo 3 months, 2 weeks ago on Is Wa-Hi project greed than need?

Is Wa-Hi project greed than need?

I believe the reason for running school bonds in off cycle elections is to separate school funding issues from the the political acrimony that surrounds elections in November. Paying for schools is one of our most important civic duties if not the most important. Separating the school funding process from the trumped up emotionalism of the fall election is a good idea. Fortunately our mail in ballot system makes this a simple process.

Doceo 3 months, 2 weeks ago on Bond addresses Wa-Hi needs, and also the wants

Bond addresses Wa-Hi needs, and also the wants

Ms. White, I can't help but wonder if you might be new to Washington. You seem to be unfamiliar with how schools are built and updated in this state. In Washington property owners are levied to pay for bonds which in turn pay for the construction. This may not be the best solution but is how it works here. As far as parents not being property owners presumably they live in a house, duplex or apartment where taxes are paid. Increased costs will be passed on to the renter of the property. It may not be an ideal situation but it is what the citizens of Walla Walla have to work with.

As far as grants are concerned perhaps you might be interested in volunteering as a grant writer for the district.

Doceo 3 months, 2 weeks ago on Is Wa-Hi project greed than need?

Is Wa-Hi project greed than need?

Mr. Filan, it appears that you are suffering from a near apoplectic rage regarding the possible passage of the Wa-Hi school bond. I am sorry for how you must feel.

The school board made a very public policy decision regarding the return of any excess bond funds to the voter. I am not sure why this statement would be included on the ballot. Is it possible that language presented on the ballot was set some time before? I don't know the answer to the question but it is a possibility. I for one believe that the school board will act responsibly.

As far as elevators are concerned, I suspect that there is relevant federal legislation related to who has access to the 2nd story of the campus. When buildings are renovated they must be brought up to code.

Regarding the matching funds, if the good citizens of Walla Walla have already paid these taxes or have partially paid for these taxes why should they not reap the benefit of this money that has been set aside. It seems that we should get a good return for what has been paid.

An all weather track will be a magnet for people but they will not be unwanted. The Wa-Hi campus along with every other public school campus belongs the community. If people can find a use for an all weather track beyond the track team and the physical education department that is a good thing.

District maintenance personnel have done yeoman's work to ensure that the facilities are ready for use but things wear out over time. Now is the time to spend the money to update Walla Walla High School

Doceo 3 months, 3 weeks ago on Is Wa-Hi now providing quality education?

Is Wa-Hi now providing quality education?

The police station refund experience shows we need time limits on tax refunds and independent overseers to determine what expenditures are legitimately part of the Wa-Hi project.

We do have independent overseers. They are the publicly elected members of the school board. If you don't like them vote them out. This is the hallmark of a representative democracy.

Doceo 3 months, 3 weeks ago on Taxed enough already!

Taxed enough already!

As the saying goes nothing is certain but death and taxes. That being said I am glad that I can drive on highways and roads. I am comforted that the police department and fire department are there when I need them. I am glad that students attending Walla Walla High School can get a great education. All of these things take money for which I am sure I could find another use. I am blessed to live in a country where we make make it a priority to take care of others. It is now time to modernize Walla Walla High School.

Doceo 3 months, 3 weeks ago on Walla Walla School bond like water park bond

Walla Walla School bond like water park bond

How is the purchase of a couple of space heaters, window air conditioning units and power strips an answer to serious infrastructural issues? If you have not taken a tour of the facilities, please schedule a visit.

Doceo 4 months, 3 weeks ago on Gov. Gregoire offers solid plan to better fund education

Gov. Gregoire offers solid plan to better fund education

No teacher in Washington state has "tenure." Any teacher's employment can be terminated for cause after due process.

Doceo 4 months, 4 weeks ago on Pictures of the year 2012

Pictures of the year 2012

Way to go Jeff! You are such a talented artist. Thanks for the great work.

Doceo 5 months ago on Excess Wa-Hi bond funds should go back to taxpayers

Excess Wa-Hi bond funds should go back to taxpayers

The high school's needs go beyond simply adding HVAC and windows. While the original construction has proven to be quite sturdy, facilities wear out over time despite the best maintainance. According to the proposed site plan the majority of construction will take place on the existing foot print of the current buildings. Eight portable buildings will be removed corresponding to sixteen fewer clasroom spaces.