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Ferndale High School students stage walkout after bid to rebuild school rejected

FERNDALE, Wash. — Students at Ferndale High School staged a “walk out” Wednesday in response to the Ferndale School District’s $112 million bond request's failure to pass on the general election ballot.

According to My Ferndale News, only 57% percent of voters approved the bond request – just short of the 60% needed for the bond to pass.

The School District's bond would have dedicated $105 million to a new Ferndale High School, $2 million to modernize the existing Performing Arts Center at Ferndale High School, $4 million for 'critical needs' and $1 million for safety and security at all schools.

My Ferndale News reported on Wednesday that FHS principal Jeremy Vincent sent the following email to parents and staff ahead of the walkout:

“I want to acknowledge that a student-led walkout is planned for Wednesday, November 14th. While our students have every right to protest I do expect students to be in class during that time. Absences will be unexcused unless parents call to excuse the absence.

“This protest has been arranged by students in response to the disappointment we all feel in our bond proposal failing to meet the super-majority threshold for approval. Our bond failure does not change the fact that our high school building is beyond our ability to repair and security is an ever-present concern given our inability to lock down our current campus. These things have not changed and will not change unless our building is replaced.

“I encourage our students, parents and community to attend a Town Hall meeting on Thursday, November 15th at the Pioneer Pavilion at 7:00 PM to talk about next steps including the possibility of asking voters to reconsider this bond proposal in a special election.

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