Auburn won at the ballot this fall, persuading a “supermajority” of voters to pass Proposition 1, the $110 million Auburn High School Modernization and Reconstruction Bond.

It’s indeed a good thing.

Understanding, well-informed voters and an aggressive campaign orchestrated by school officials should be applauded. Officials and their supporters were clear in their message. They got the word out, explained the urgent need for a new school. They even opened the old school’s doors to tours. They hosted an informational open house.

They held nothing back.

In the end, educators and students won big.

The community demands and deserves this.

It is time to build a new school, replacing the present, 62-year-old structure that has more than withstood the test of time. The old school leaks, cracks, groans. It no longer is cost-effective to operate and maintain.

Groundbreaking comes February. The new school is expected to open in the fall of 2014.

Auburn High soon will fashion an excellent, safe and comfortable learning environment – the kind of state-of-the-art place that students from Auburn Riverside and Auburn Mountainview now enjoy.

Auburn has tremendous, passionate teachers, staff and students who need a 21st century place to learn and flourish. And now they will get it.

The new school is a wise investment for the city. It will grace generations of families and students.

Trojans stand tall

Auburn’s surge in the state 4A playoffs, a surprising climb to the semifinals, is a testament to its quality coaching and resilient players.

The Trojans certainly didn’t look the part after a humiliating 43-0 loss at home to Federal Way late in the season. They lost two key players to injuries in a brutal, physical beat-down in the rain.

But coach Gordon Elliott and his staff picked up the pieces, and the players responded. An emotional win over rival Auburn Riverside and two playoffs wins followed. The school’s third trip to the semifinals was unexpected but well deserved.

Auburn gave heralded Bellarmine Prep fits before falling, 21-91, last Saturday night at the Tacoma Dome.

A tremendous run by a group of tough, gritty coaches and players.

Shop local?

As a reminder, support downtown Auburn and local businesses throughout your community this holiday season.

Big chains will prevail, but buying local is a good way to stabilize the economy. Purchasing priorities should include a trip to your neighborhood store. Think outside a Walmart or Target.

Auburn has a wide variety of unique products, from chocolates and art to clothing and entertainment, for gift seekers.