While shopping in Silverdale recently, I overheard a customer talking about the CKHS school bond. He said something like, “I drive by there every day, and it looks pretty good to me.”

I am not a very talkative person at the best of times. At the end of a day teaching, I certainly don’t feel like educating another human being. I shook my head and walked away.

I know I should have said, “While the facade looks nice, you really need to come inside to understand CK’s problems.” I should have said, ”See the art classes being taught in the ‘daylight basement,’ (otherwise known as the dungeon) which recently got flooded from a backed-up sewer? Do you feel the sweat-producing heat in some classrooms, while in others, students are wrapped in winter coats and mufflers? Here — walk across this floor in the administration offices and notice the incline caused by the sinking of the foundation. Ask those dependent on the elevators whether CK is truly ‘accessible.”

I know many wax nostalgic about CKHS, but it is not a historical landmark. I attended Holy Names Academy in Seattle, founded in 1880. That’s the one with the dome on Capitol Hill. That’s iconic.

CKHS, the award-winning high school, needs a new home. Changing the site will not detract from its history. It will only add to the ability of the staff to do what we do: educate. Please vote yes.