Save the Math School!

Remember Tri-Cities’ great plans to build a math, science, technology and engineering high school? Ingenious, right? Especially with strong support from Batelle and the local science and technology sector.

Well, unfortunately, it looks like the plan to open the school this fall may be derailed by funding and location concerns.

According to the Tri-City Herald, though staffing concerns are currently being worked out, the project’s major hurdle remains “how to pay for renovating or building a facility that eventually would hold 400 students across the Tri-Cities.”

WSU Tri-Cities has offered space for the school’s first year or two, but after that another location would be needed and officials won’t commit to opening the school in the fall without knowing where it will be.

“We can't start a school and in three years say, ‘Gosh, we don't have enough money. We have to close,’” said Richland Superintendent Rich Semler. “These are the struggles of trying to do something a little creative.”

True, but I hope this innovative project can attract enough donors to keep the ball rolling before it loses momentum. I'm crossing my fingers! Cross yours too!