I must ask that both the editor and the staff writer of the West Seattle Herald retract and correct the misinformation that appears in both the front-page story and the editorial regarding the so-called Denny/Sealth project in the Jan. 16 West Seattle Herald.

Clearly, you did not check King County Elections if you can so incorrectly say: "The bond issue clearly stated that Denny Middle School would be torn down and a completely new building would be constructed directly next to Sealth" It does not say directly next to Sealth. Adding this phrase misstates what was on the ballot and in the voters pamphlet where there is no mention of combining these schools.

The only place this was mentioned was in the 45,000 flyers sent to parents citywide by the Seattle Public School District. Schools first also sent out two informational flyers mentioning a combined campus. That represents a mere handful of citizens who received this information. Again, this is not the information given to the voters in the voters pamphlet or on the ballot.

The readers of the West Seattle Herald rely on you and your staff to check your facts. It appears you have just repeated misinformation that was given to you by someone with a vested interest employed by Seattle Schools, and hence paid by our tax dollars. This is a perfect example of why so many people have found themselves in the uncomfortable position of being unable to trust the veracity of those we speak for the Seattle Schools

That brings me to the question of where you received the figures you used for costs and the timeline you used for changing a construction plan that was never authentically presented to the community who finances these projects. I question these figures. I also wonder why, if Seattle Schools is a year ahead of schedule, they would be 18 months behind, or as your reporter stated two years (that's a new one) if they went with option three the new school board is checking into and which is more inline with what the voters approved.

I cannot argue with or ask for a retraction regarding your opinion that equity isn't worth the cost. That's a long held view by those of privilege and those who cannot see that equity is how we create a society where liberty and justice for all aren't just some empty words our children say by rote during the pledge of allegiance. Your opinion is your own and you are entitled to it, but it is very sad and really shameful that some students, some schools, and some neighborhoods are seen as less worthy than others in West Seattle and this city.

Please accept this invitation to attend the panel discussion sponsored by Westwood Neighborhood Council on this issue Tuesday, Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. at Chief Sealth High School.

Susan Harmon

Westwood