Vashon Island news-record. [volume] (Vashon, Wash.) 1919-1954, 1928-02-17
ADVANTAGES OF A
UNION HIGH SCHOOL

has vet never been one, that to my
mind, has shown such attractions
as the project submitted by the
committee in charge to have one
union high school for the entire
Vashon- -Maury island. 1t offers the
inducement for those now living
On the island, and carrying the re-
sponsibility of educating their
children, to stay here, and enjoy
the advantages of city high
school, 1t holds an attraction for
those now living in the cities, who
would prefer raising their child
ren in the country, and still have
the opportunities to be had in city
schools. 1t is the only idea adj
vanced that is practical in its APP
plication to cement the north, and
south end of Vashon island into
one community. Abolish the Ma
son-Dixon line.
| will first point out a few of the
most important advantages, and
ask you to weigh that against the
cost.
In the matter of the direct appli-
cation to the scholar it will be
conceded that he, or she, would
have a wider range of subjects to
choose from, what might be called
the more practical studies, so that
student that was not fitted for
one subject could pick out some
thing that would be more success
ful, AS for what might be called
the aesthetic advantages, we can
take into consideration that in
the matter of music the opportuni-
ty will be greater with less ex-
pense to the parent, and the school
could have a splendid orchestra
that could be used in community
work and help advertise the is
land Drawing is an item that
could be counted also. There are
certain social advantages that the
larger number of students III one
school would make possible. AS for
athletics we could have stronger
teams on account of having more
material to pick from, and i'll com
pctitive sports it would have to
be between somewhere ON the
mainland and Vashon Island in
stead of one end of the island be
ing pittcd against the other half,
and all the papas and mamas get
ting sore about il afterwards.
As for the teaching staff, ii is
apparent thar a larger school could
afford to pay higher salaries, and
secure greater efficiency The for
going briefly sums mp a few of the
advantages where it directly
effects the future of the scholar.
There are great many fen-
lies who would come to live on
this island if they had the assur.
ance Of having such fine school
II certainly would be a decided
factor in the increase Of our pop.
ulation. For the benefit of those
who are interested in better trans
portation would point out that
with an increased population
there would be grounds for better
service. With better service the
greater the increase in real estate
valuation. As an advertising fact
or it is one OF the most valuable
that we could have. 1t could b,
used continually with greai
effect.
The committee now working on
the project have shown such q
clear, practical understanding oI
their work that they have my Ell
tire confidence. ] have inquired
well into the increased taxation
and have found il so little wher
weighed against the great advan
tages to be reaped by everyone re
pardloss as TO whether they have
children to educate or not, that i
ceased to be a matter Of lmpor
tanee
! would suggest that ANYONE
very much concerned on this poin
cct ia touch with Mr. c H. CIR
ner ard he will be very glad e
make it clear TO them.
The first step toward aequiriu'
Union High School will be Il
form 4 Union High school distrie
using the present dual ysiem as
nucleus. With that formed the 4
iiciency Of tie schools will at one
be increased. There are seyera
theories as to what shall be don
with the present high school build
mps. but none OF them take in tn
consideration Of scrapping then
They shall he mt TO good use
Tie committee has looked ia
enough ahead to study the plan
, lt.Ir 1ahuut kuiIfitnf