To the editor:

Why should you vote YES for our students and vote YES for our schools? Let me give every voter just three compelling reasons:

1. It’s the best time.

Interest rates are at their lowest historical levels, construction costs are more affordable now, and if you think this bond is too big, if we wait it will be bigger. Every year is likely to add $4 million in increased costs. Like the old Midas commercial used to say, “You can pay me now or you can pay me later.” Later costs more, period.

2. It’s the best investment.

As a founding mentor of Spartronics 4915, our Bainbridge High world championship competing robotics team, I’ve witnessed how students grow and mature when they are given the right tools. Lives are being enriched forever though this program. Imagine what these students could do given the right resources. We have a complete composite lab and no place to put it. We are finishing building our third robot, and they do not have a home. A new high school building would give both a home and we would help change more student lives. The proposed school bond investment is at or BELOW investments made by comparable school districts. Constructing buildings that can last 75 years with 20-year low interest rate financing is an incredible investment opportunity for our island, for our schools and for our students.

3. It’s for the right reasons.

Replacing a 50—plus-year-old Blakely Elementary School and a 45-year-old high school building protects our students. Neither has fire sprinklers, both are experiencing mechanical and electrical failures, and both would not fare well during a strong earthquake. But we can do something about all of these things by passing Prop. 1. Renovation would cost far more. Repairs don’t address these issues. Let’s protect our students, our teachers, our administrators and our staffs because that is the right thing to do.

As someone who has spent the majority of my lifetime in the real estate and finance industries, great schools are at the heart of every great community. We have done so much with so little for so long compared to other top school districts.

This new bond is not too big – it is just the right size at the right time for the right reasons. I do question the minds of those who are saying this and wonder if they are thinking too small. If you understand how vital it is to keep our schools strong, you will vote yes too.

KEVIN HAWKINS

Commodore West