School board expected to seek voter approval for $3.5 million bond to repair track, field

The Vashon Island School Board will likely ask voters to consider a $3.5 million addendum to next February’s bond measure to repair the high school’s degraded track and heavily used stadium field.

Under board member Bob Hen-nessey’s proposal, the measure would be a Part B on the ballot, contingent on Part A — the $47.7 million measure to rebuild and repair classroom facilities — passing.

All five members expressed initial support for Hennessey’s proposal last week. It’s expected to come before the board for final approval at its next meeting on Thursday, Sept. 23.

If passed, the funds would bring the track up to district-wide standards, enabling Vashon High School to host track meets. (Because of the condition of the track, it currently cannot host meets.) It would also include funds for an artificial-turf field at the high school; such a field can take much more use, Hennessey said.

Hennessey said it makes sense to put such a measure before voters. “I think we have to make the case,” he said.

Superintendent Michael Soltman agreed: “It’s definitely a need we have.”