I really don't know where else to post this, but given that all of you currently have children in school (either homeschool or at a school), I need your help thinking this topic through.
Our school board decided to consolidate all of our neighborhood elementary schools into 2 large schools and relocate our middle school near the high school.
Well, a petition came about, in which a "save our schools" committee was able to stop the process without a 30 day petition signing period. Whoever has the most signatures will "win".
Here's the nitty gritty. The proposed construction cost are 57 million, with another 43 million paid in interest over 25 yrs. This cost covers the consolidation and relocation of all elementary schools (from 5 to 2), a new middle school located near the high school, and a new athletic facility for football, track, locker rooms, etc. The cost doesn't include the increased bussing expenses, perhaps increased cost of teachers and administrators (because they plan to begin offering full-day kindergarten after completion.)
I did not attend these schools, so the information I have gathered about their condition is from my dh who attended the schools over 20 yrs ago. He said they were bad then, aren't properly equipped for new technology, and are too small. They pose a fire hazard because most of the schools are 2-3 levels and have wood staircases and flooring. All of these buildings are considered historial landmarks and the schools have no plans to use them or maintain them once they build the new schools (meaning they will sit empty.)
Here's where I struggle: It recently came out that the "sign for kids" group who are proponents of building the new schools were adding their children to their home deeds so that their children could sign the petitions. Legally, this is okay. However, I'm struggling with the morality of it and struggling with the fact that parents are involving children in political decision-making at such a young age. Gives me the "do whatever it takes to win" thought and I'm afraid these young minds will remember it.
Also, we've discovered that the "steering committee" hasn't been forthcoming with information until the opposing side brought it to light. (The way our property taxes will really be affected, the interest on the loans, etc.)
And, to top all of that off - we now have the Mayor, the hospital, and the individual schools advocating for the new schools - which I feel is wrong. I agree they have a right to their opinion, but writing a letter to the editor in this capacity (as a Mayor of our city, etc) puts undue stress on those of us who are trying to make the right decision.
So, here's my thought....personally, I want to vote AGAINST the building of the new schools because of the morality issues I believe the steering committee has (adding child to deed) and because of their lack of forthcoming on several issues.
DH tells me I need to keep emotion out of it. That, in fact, our city does need new schools and that I need to remember that, above anything else.
But, I can't help but think that with a committee so focused on winning and not being forthcoming, that bad things could happen in the course of construction. that maybe the "plan" isn't the best our city could do with that amount of money.
I am not opposed to building because of the increased taxes. But, I want to know that our money is being used correctly and in the best interest of the students, staff, and with their education and advancement in techonology kept in mind.
So, WWYD? I guess I just need different points of view. I've enjoyed talking with dh about this issue, and he has brought to light several issues that I hadn't considered and I've done the same for him.
AND< forgot to add this, the newspaper will be PRINTING everyone's name in the newpaper who signs for or against. Therefore, many people aren't even willing to sign one way or the other. For example, I work for a group of 6 dr's and none will sign because they feel it's a no-win situation when their patients see their name either way. It's sad really...
Our school board decided to consolidate all of our neighborhood elementary schools into 2 large schools and relocate our middle school near the high school.
Well, a petition came about, in which a "save our schools" committee was able to stop the process without a 30 day petition signing period. Whoever has the most signatures will "win".
Here's the nitty gritty. The proposed construction cost are 57 million, with another 43 million paid in interest over 25 yrs. This cost covers the consolidation and relocation of all elementary schools (from 5 to 2), a new middle school located near the high school, and a new athletic facility for football, track, locker rooms, etc. The cost doesn't include the increased bussing expenses, perhaps increased cost of teachers and administrators (because they plan to begin offering full-day kindergarten after completion.)
I did not attend these schools, so the information I have gathered about their condition is from my dh who attended the schools over 20 yrs ago. He said they were bad then, aren't properly equipped for new technology, and are too small. They pose a fire hazard because most of the schools are 2-3 levels and have wood staircases and flooring. All of these buildings are considered historial landmarks and the schools have no plans to use them or maintain them once they build the new schools (meaning they will sit empty.)
Here's where I struggle: It recently came out that the "sign for kids" group who are proponents of building the new schools were adding their children to their home deeds so that their children could sign the petitions. Legally, this is okay. However, I'm struggling with the morality of it and struggling with the fact that parents are involving children in political decision-making at such a young age. Gives me the "do whatever it takes to win" thought and I'm afraid these young minds will remember it.
Also, we've discovered that the "steering committee" hasn't been forthcoming with information until the opposing side brought it to light. (The way our property taxes will really be affected, the interest on the loans, etc.)
And, to top all of that off - we now have the Mayor, the hospital, and the individual schools advocating for the new schools - which I feel is wrong. I agree they have a right to their opinion, but writing a letter to the editor in this capacity (as a Mayor of our city, etc) puts undue stress on those of us who are trying to make the right decision.
So, here's my thought....personally, I want to vote AGAINST the building of the new schools because of the morality issues I believe the steering committee has (adding child to deed) and because of their lack of forthcoming on several issues.
DH tells me I need to keep emotion out of it. That, in fact, our city does need new schools and that I need to remember that, above anything else.
But, I can't help but think that with a committee so focused on winning and not being forthcoming, that bad things could happen in the course of construction. that maybe the "plan" isn't the best our city could do with that amount of money.
I am not opposed to building because of the increased taxes. But, I want to know that our money is being used correctly and in the best interest of the students, staff, and with their education and advancement in techonology kept in mind.
So, WWYD? I guess I just need different points of view. I've enjoyed talking with dh about this issue, and he has brought to light several issues that I hadn't considered and I've done the same for him.
AND< forgot to add this, the newspaper will be PRINTING everyone's name in the newpaper who signs for or against. Therefore, many people aren't even willing to sign one way or the other. For example, I work for a group of 6 dr's and none will sign because they feel it's a no-win situation when their patients see their name either way. It's sad really...
