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SC�IrOG D�=TRICT RENTON SCHOOL DISTRICT 403
Board of Directors
September 16, 2014
Renate Beedon, President
Tiffany Park Woods Advocacy Group
Dear Ms. Beedon,
This is in reply to your request presented to the Renton School Board at its September 10th meeting
seeking permission to bring an independent wetland specialist onto the district's Tiffany Park
undeveloped property for additional wetlands review.
Superintendent Rieger denied a similar request on August 8, 2014, citing the wetlands studies previously
submitted by the purchaser and the fact that those studies and additional information requested by the City
of Renton meet the requirements of the City as they work through the review and approval process.
Dr. Rieger's reply referred to the purchase and sale agreement that was approved by the School Board on
May 22, 2013, noting that the agreement authorizes the purchaser to assess the property's suitability for
the intended development, and to take steps to obtain the necessary approvals in compliance with City of
Renton ordinances and regulations. The purchaser has proceeded to do so, at considerable expense for the
planning and studies required by the City. The studies submitted are subject to review and approval by
City staff and by the hearing examiner, who will evaluate them in light of state and local environmental
and development standards. The decisions resulting from this process are also subject to appeal, as
explained by City staff at the community meeting held on September 9'h, so that any perceived
deficiencies in the existing studies can be appealed as part of the City's review process.
In addition to granting certain rights to the purchaser, the purchase and sale agreement formalized the
School Board's intent to sell the property, consistent with the School Board's duty to act in the best
interest of the entire district. In doing so, the agreement created an obligation for the Board to cooperate
with the purchaser as it seeks to obtain the required permits. To do otherwise could put the purchaser's
investment at risk, and could conceivably create a financial liability to the Renton School District.
For the above reasons, after due consideration of your request, the School Board denies your request to
access the property for additional independent wetlands study.
Sincerely,
Lynn Desmarais, President
Renton School Board
Launching Learning to Last a Lifetime
300 Southwest 7th Street, Renton, Washington 98057-23071 p.425.204.23401 f. 425.204.2456
www.rentonschools.us
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