LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Highline Schools Must Show "Complete Openness" Before Bond Vote

Editor's Note: The following Letter to the Editor was submitted by verified Highline Public Schools parent Kristen Price. The Highline Journal has included the referenced WSPRA Facebook post for context. Highline Public Schools was also given an opportunity to respond, and its statement appears after the letter.

[Note From the Editor:] Letters to the Editor reflect the views of their authors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of The Highline Journal. To submit a letter, article, story idea, or photo for consideration, email info@thehighlinejournal.com.

Letter

To the Editor:

Highline Public Schools recently celebrated a major milestone when Chief Communications Officer Tove Tupper was named the 2026 National School Communicator of the Year. In her acceptance speech, she spoke passionately about the essence of public relations: "helping people feel seen, telling meaningful stories, and building trust."

While professional recognition is always commendable, local taxpayers and parents are left facing a starkly different reality right here at home.

Highline Public Schools is currently the subject of active litigation in King County Superior Court (Price v. Highline Public Schools, Case No. 26-2-23235-1 SEA) over systemic violations of Washington’s Public Records Act. Local residents seeking routine public information—such as vendor contracts, legal fee schedules, and board transparency parameters—are routinely met with multi-month administrative extensions, incomplete file releases, and closed tickets without basic documentation.

Real public trust is not forged on stage at national public relations conferences. It is built day-to-day through administrative honesty, prompt public record access, and genuine accountability to the community funding our schools.

This contrast comes at a critical juncture. Highline Public Schools is preparing to ask voters to approve a combined $643.4 million debt package ($595.4 million construction bond and $48 million technology levy) on the November ballot.

Before asking property owners to shoulder record-breaking tax increases, district leadership must demonstrate that its commitment to "building trust and transparency" extends beyond PR campaigns to their actual administrative practices. Taxpayers deserve complete openness, not delayed records and polished press releases.

Sincerely,
Kristen Price
Burien Resident & District Parent
Plaintiff in Case No. 26-2-23235-1 SEA

Context

Because the letter references Chief Communications Officer Tove Tupper's acceptance remarks after being named the 2026 National School Communicator of the Year, readers can view the Washington School Public Relations Association Facebook post below.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/189k4WzFWF/

Highline Public Schools' Response

Highline Public Schools provided the following statement in response to the letter before publication:

"Highline Public Schools does not agree with the characterization of Ms. Price's letter to the editor. Highline is processing all public records requests in accordance with our public records policy and procedures, as well as applicable Washington law.  Ms. Price has since filed a complaint in court, which has not been addressed or decided. Highline will respond to the complaint through the appropriate legal channels, and we do not otherwise comment on active litigation."

NOTE FROM EDITOR:  If you wish to submit a story, photo, article or letter, please email us at info@thehighlinejournal.com  Even if you wish to remain anonymous, please include your name and phone number so we may contact you privately. We look forward to hearing from you.