Island's supreme value is education

By DEBERA CARLTON HARRELL
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

Mercer Island is centrally located, with gorgeous views and parks, and more banks, dry cleaners and insurance companies per capita than any place in the region. But the reason most people live -- and often sacrifice -- to remain here is because of the first-rate public school system.

Schools are a galvanizing force, drawing volunteer involvement at every level, be it tutoring, attending school board meetings or cheering at football games.

As in most islander endeavors, the hard work reaps results: Mercer Island has never failed to pass a school levy, and its students consistently have the highest test scores in the state. Ninety percent of high school graduates go to college.

Even sports are considered part of the learning curve, which may account for the island's ubiquitous club and school trophies. Champions abound, such as U.S. Olympic gold medal swimmer Mary Wayte and Mercer Island High School coach Ed Pepple, who has won more basketball games than any coach in the state.

Some say islanders are driven by a need to succeed. But while competition on the courts and in the classroom can be fierce, most residents say love of excellence and life-long learning -- rather than a win-at-all-costs mentality -- anchor the community culture.

Like many residents, Terry Pottmeyer and her husband were told by real estate agents 13 years ago that she could get more for her money buying a house elsewhere. Like many residents, she ignored the advice so her kids could attend Mercer Island public schools.

"Mercer Island is a definable community that really values education; it is a priority. They value creating adults who look at learning as a life-long journey and want to instill that love of learning in their children," said Pottmeyer, now president of the Mercer Island Schools Foundation, which raises money to supplement state funding and offset levy lids.

"It would be unfair to characterize it as a place that's really struggling -- certainly people here are very comfortable," Pottmeyer said. "But lots and lots of people are choosing to forego other things so they can live here and put their kids in these schools."

Schools are suffering fallout from their success. Unanticipated growth, fueled by a baby boomlet, has maxed enrollment. Even the newly renovated elementary schools will have portable buildings next year.

Continued:

• Community works hard for its privileged lifestyle
• Neighbors say not much truth behind snobby image
• Pioneer's dream was destined to be made manifest