What is a boundary adjustment petition?
A boundary adjustment petition is a formal request submitted by either citizens or a school district board to change the official boundaries of school districts. This process is governed by state law, specifically RCW 28A.315.195, which allows such changes to be proposed and evaluated based on a variety of educational and community interests.

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Who initiated the boundary adjustment petition for the Fallbrooke Territory?
Some residents of the Fallbrooke Lake of the Woods East Phase 2 (including residents without school age children) submitted a petition to the Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD) proposing to transfer their territory from Riverview School District to the Lake Washington School District. This petition was officially verified by King County on August 6, 2024.

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What steps have been taken in the petition process?
After receiving the verified petition, required negotiations were initiated between the Riverview and Lake Washington School Districts as mandated by RCW 28A.315.199(a). These negotiations, which included representatives from both districts, did not result in a consensus recommendation. Subsequently, the Lake Washington School District Board of Directors approved the petition on November 18, 2024.  A more detailed process and progress description is included below.  

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How many students reside within the proposed boundary adjustment area?
There are currently 41 students residing in the Fallbrooke territory, with only five of the 41 opting to waive into the Lake Washington School District. The majority of families in this area have voiced strong opposition to the proposed boundary adjustment, emphasizing that their decision to purchase a home in the neighborhood was heavily influenced by the opportunity for their children to attend Riverview schools.

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What has been Riverview School District's response to the petition?
Riverview School District analyzed the proposal and identified the likelihood of significant student, operational, and financial impacts if a portion of its territory were to be transferred to the Lake Washington School District.  Riverview School District is engaging extensively with the community, gathering both oral and written comments, and is providing a platform for public input during a special meeting this Wednesday, December 4. The Board is expected to consider action to either accept or deny the petition that same evening. 

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What are the potential consequences if the boundary adjustment were approved?
Approval of the petition would result in the transfer of both the property assessed valuation and basic education apportionment from Riverview School District to Lake Washington School District. This transfer of assets could significantly erode Riverview's tax base, increase the tax burden on remaining residents, and create broader financial disparities between the two districts.

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What is the Long-Term Outlook for Riverview if the Boundary Adjustment is Approved?

Among the most significant concerns associated with this proposed boundary adjustment is the precedent it would set. Riverview School District shares borders with several significantly larger school districts with greater financial resources. It is believed that approval of this adjustment will pave the way for additional territory transfer requests well into the future, resulting in cascading tax burdens for residents, and impose significant long-term challenges for Riverview schools.

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If the adjustment is approved, how would this precedent impact other school districts?

This precedent would not only undermine the territorial integrity of Riverview School District, but also cause a ripple effect that will leave smaller school districts across Washington State increasingly vulnerable, with potentially serious consequences. There is a prevailing concern statewide, that approval of this boundary adjustment will trigger comparable movements in other districts that border larger ones with greater financial resources. In light of this situation, numerous small to mid-size school districts throughout the state are closely monitoring the results of this petition. Amid financial constraints already burdening most districts, the threat of similar adjustments adds additional layers of significant concern to an already full budgetary-plate. Intensified community tax burdens adding to long-term budgetary challenges, would result in financial pressures likely to undermine the ability of smaller districts to effectively serve their communities and maintain essential educational programs.

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​What is the state process for a boundary decision, and where are we in that process?
If Riverview School District's Board of Directors takes action to deny the petition at its Special Meeting on December 4, the Superintendent will immediately notify the PSESD of this decision and request a formal hearing before the PSESD Regional Committee. The hearing will adjudicate the petition based on the statutory requirements, which include consideration of community impact and feedback.  Citizens will have the opportunity to voice their opinions at the Regional Committee hearing.

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1. Petition Submission and Verification: The process began with the submission of a petition by some residents (with or without school age children) of the Fallbrooke territory, which was subsequently verified by King County for its validity.
    

2. Notification and Negotiations: Both Riverview and Lake Washington School Districts were notified of the verified petition. According to RCW 28A.315.199(a), Riverview entered negotiations with Lake Washington to discuss the implications of the proposed boundary change. These negotiations are aimed at reaching a consensus that serves the best interests of the educational communities involved.  No consensus recommendation was reached between the two districts.
    

3. Decision by Lake Washington School District School Board: After negotiations, the Lake Washington School District board voted to approve the petition.
    

4. Public Comment and District Response: The State of Washington and both school districts recognize the importance of community input in proposed boundary adjustment efforts. Riverview School District is hosting a public comment session to gather critical feedback from affected families and residents on Wednesday, December 4th. This feedback is essential in shaping our response and next steps.  The Riverview School District Board of Directors will consider action on the petition that same evening.
    

5. Request for Regional Committee Review: If the Riverview School District Board of Directors votes to deny the petition, the District will request a formal hearing before the Puget Sound Educational Service District's Regional Committee. This hearing, required when two school districts are unable to agree on disposition of a petition, will allow a third-party review of the petition and ensure that the decision is made in consideration of all statutory criteria.
    

6. Next Steps: If a Regional Committee hearing is scheduled, Riverview School District will provide the community with the date and details as soon as they are available. Riverview encourages all families to stay engaged, as their input and support are vital during this process.
   
   
   
   
   
    

Attend the Special Meeting with public comment:  ​

Wednesday, December 4, at 6 p.m., Riverview Education Service Center, (District Office, Board Room, 2nd floor), 15510 1st Ave NE, Duvall 

 

​Email your written comments for consideration:  Riverview School District Board of Directors at rsdschoolboard@rsd407.org

 

Stay informed:  Look for updates from Riverview School District and plan to participate in future public meetings on the matter. 

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View the complete Riverview/Lake Washington Boundary Adjustment Petition Packet​

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View the November 4, 2024, Lake Washington School District Board Meeting regarding the boundary adjustment petition, with public comment​

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