Residents losing homes for new Renton school complain about how district is handling process
May 2, 2025, 9:46 AM
Renton School (Courtesy 成人X站-7)
(Courtesy 成人X站-7)
RENTON, Wash. 鈥� The Renton School Board voted last week to move forward on the process of acquiring another property through聽as part of the expansion of Renton High School.
The action is part of a years-long process to acquire more than 40 properties near the existing campuses to accommodate the rebuilding and expansion of the high school.
The district confirmed Thursday it had already purchased or are in agreement to purchase 32 of the 42 parcels in the area around the school where construction will take place. The parcels are spread throughout Logan Avenue and Tobin Street.
Some are still negotiating, including Kenneth Green, who owns a home across the street from campus.
鈥淣obody鈥檚 been happy with it,鈥� Green said. 鈥淓verybody鈥檚 dealing with it.鈥�
Green said he understands the need to grow schools, but he doesn鈥檛 feel like he鈥檚 being treated fairly by the district.
hashe said.
The district has been working to negotiate offers with remaining homeowners. They will also be provided relocation assistance. Green doesn鈥檛 believe the offer he was first provided though was fair.
鈥淭he value of what they want to give us versus what the prices are in the area and new mortgage rates don鈥檛 add up,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e not close.鈥�
鈥淎t first, I thought it would be a good thing for people,鈥� said longtime resident Fred Pepper. 鈥淏ecause they have to come up with a price to replace what they鈥檙e taking from them.鈥�
Pepper no longer thinks that鈥檚 the case, seeing neighbors forced to leave the neighborhood they love.
The district did not respond to specific complaints and allegations, but did provide additional detail on the project, noting the board voted to approve the expansion on the current site after two and a half years looking for an alternative.
A district official said they explored more than ten potential properties within district boundaries, but said they ultimately proved not conducive to a new school location.
Once all lots are acquired, construction will begin. The new school campus will be built on the current high school site and expanded area, including new classrooms and lighted athletic fields.
A district official also pointed to a majority of voters who approved a 2022 ballot measure to construct a new high school.
Green understands he will have to go, but wants a fair deal in the process. He鈥檚 lived in his home for 20 years and has been looking forward to retiring there and renovating his property. His kids have come through the Renton School District.
鈥淢y youngest, in the eighth grade, might not be going to Renton High School now because we might not be living across the street,鈥� he said. 鈥淢y daughter found out in her senior year what was happening. That kind of spoiled it. She鈥檚 thinking about prom and whatnot and losing her house to the school that she actually loved.鈥�
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