Next Tuesday, voters in the Highline School District should approve a $148 million bond measure to keep the momentum going on the district's replacement of aging school buildings.

If approved, the bond will fund the construction of four elementary schools, renovation of Camp Waskowitz, improvement of secondary school security and update technology and repair school roofs. A fifth elementary would be replaced using state matching funds.

Four years ago, voters approved a $189.5 million school-construction bond. It was the first one passed in over 17 years.

Some taxpayers questioned whether the district would use the money wisely. They doubted the schools would be built on time and on budget.

Now in 2006, six new schools have opened and three more are on the way. That's one more new school than promised in the previous bond.

Parents, students and community members helped design their neighborhood schools. The buildings with pitched roofs - suited for rainy Puget Sound weather - allow students to learn in a safe and healthy environment.

But there is more work to be done.

The five schools included in this bond were originally built between 1948 and 1956. They do not meet current fire or earthquake codes, nor are they designed for students with disabilities.

They should be replaced.

This time the bond goes beyond replacing physical structures to address new challenges.

Increased security at our middle and high schools with the installation of additional cameras, exterior lighting and fencing will deter disruptive non-students from entering the campuses and protect our students while in school.

Our schools also need up-to-date technology to take advantage of modern teaching tools. With added individual student information placed on the Internet, parents can keep track of their child's academic progress.

The bond also deals with a school experience many Highline children share with their parents and grandparents.

Renovation of historic Camp Waskowitz, the district's outdoor environmental education facility, will allow future generations to continue to benefit from this unique educational experience.

The Highline School District is upgrading its education offerings through small learning communities in the high schools as well as new literacy and math programs.

At the same time, Highline cities are sparking economic development.

Safe, healthy schools with strong educational programs teamed with a solid business environment result in a dynamic, attractive community.

We urge North Highline voters to vote yes on the bond issue next Tuesday.