The Seattle School District is considering whether to sell unneeded buildings or to significantly raise rents with an end view of increasing a troublesome revenue stream. The problem is that some of the buildings are now used by nonprofit groups that are dedicated to assisting in the education and welfare of children.

In West Seattle, the old Fauntleroy School is home to the Fauntleroy Children's Center. Fairmount Park will be vacated this fall due to a school merger and Hughes has been an interim site. Boren is now used as a temporary school while others are updated. The current Jefferson Square is also owned by the school district and under lease.

The district has recommended the School Board approve the following: Declare Fauntleroy, Fairmount Park and Hughes as surplus; keep Boren as an interim facility.

District officials have said they would approach current tenants first about purchase, but many of the nonprofits say coming up with the millions would be difficult. Some could be leased out long-term.

Where growth is expected in the north end of the city, the district could keep buildings for future school program use.

Then the problem is whether to continue present subsidized leases to increase the amounts to market rates, sometimes doubling or more lease rates.

In West Seattle, Fauntleroy pays a bit more than $67,000 and could be increased to $150,000 annually.

We think some creative thinking needs to be employed, something the Seattle School Board is often unable to accomplish.

Since these uses are serving the public good, adding educational advantage to our children, why not keep the low rates for such uses? What public good is served by increasing rents and forcing Fauntleroy Children's Center out of business or to severely curtail services?

The school district faces a continued financial bind, but adding to the public burden seems to only move the problem, not solve it.

The district should re-evaluate its leases on property where for-profit enterprises are using its property, such as Jefferson Square. Other unused and unneeded buildings should be sold for the best possible price.

But those enterprises that help meet the growth and education of children should be allowed to remain, with taxpayers subsidizing activities that would otherwise be lost or forced to collect tax money elsewhere.

- Jack Mayne