Contract High School was first opened in 1971, and eventually turned into Crest Learning Center. Crest has served Mercer Island as a safe haven for students needing alternative learning conditions until now.

The reality is, some people need a different learning environment than “typical” students, a type of environment that the main building cannot and has never been able to provide. For many Crest alumni, we wouldn’t have graduated with a high school diploma at all without Crest and its staff. 

The signees below and I think getting rid of Crest would be a HUGE mistake and a colossal loss for our community. If Mercer Island wants to continue to see high graduation rates, keeping Crest open would not only be a wise decision but also a compassionate one.

Crest has been a special place to many for generations and it plays a vital role in Mercer Island School District. Without Crest we would see a spike in drop out rates and a decline in community and connection on Mercer Island. Help us keep Crest open!

Thank you for your time

Signed, Samantha Bannach-Volchok and Grace McCormack