HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter of Support for Sunset Multi-Service & Career Development Center - Renton School District 5-2018May 16, 2018
Ed Prince, Council President
Renton City Council
1055 S. Grady Way, 7th Floor
Renton, WA 98057
Dear Council President Prince,
I am writing to express the very strong support of the Renton School District for the approval of a $400,000 grant to the Renton Housing Authority for the renovation of the previous
Highlands Library for the Sunset Multi-Service and Career Development Center.
The Renton School District partnered in the creation of the Sunset Area Transformation Plan and was hopeful that the work would lead to more support, services, and opportunities for
Renton students and families. While the project was not selected to receive a HUD Choice Neighborhood Implementation grant, we are optimistic for new ways to address the needs of those
living in the Sunset area.
Currently, the District is working in collaboration with a cross-sector of stakeholders in the Renton Innovation Zone (which encompasses the service area of our four elementary Schools
of Improvement and includes the Sunset area) to address the needs of students and families. While the Renton School District is investing substantial fiscal and personnel resources
in educational improvement through professional teaching development, development of stronger school/family partnerships, and a strong focus on use of data to improve outcomes, we know
that schools cannot make the needed improvements alone.
The Renton Innovation Zone (RIZ) Partnership Steering Committee, continues to identify meeting residents’ basic needs as a high priority in moving the needle for families and kids. The
Sunset Multi-Service and Career Development Center will combat the poverty that so many of our families in the Sunset area experience. We strongly urge your support in awarding the
$400,000 grant to RHA.
If you have any questions regarding our support of these efforts, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Damien Pattenaude
Superintendent
Cc: Mayor Denis Law
Chip Vincent, Community Development Administrator
Mark Santos-Johnson, Community Development Project Manager