Yes on bond issue is a vote for future

After lengthy public discussion, the fate of a $32 million school bond issue for Sikeston schools rests with the voters come Tuesday.

By now, I would hope most residents understand the bond proposal. If approved by voters, the school system will build two new elementary complexes to replace the aging Lee Hunter and Southeast Elementary, level Matthews Elementary, add to the Kindergarten Center and the high school.

And that massive undertaking - by far the most expansive remake of the school system - comes with a healthy price tag.

It's that price tag that has some voters concerned.

Supporters of the bond proposal point out obvious concerns - the age of the elementary facilities, the need for "safe rooms" in potentially danger weather and the elimination of overcrowding which often holds down the learning process.

Opponents of the bond proposal are focused almost solely on the increase in property and personal property taxes that will be required to retire the bonds.

In an odd twist near the end of this campaign cycle, the controversial issue of Common Core curriculum entered the discussion.

And that's too bad because even though many, including myself, have serious questions about Common Core, the two issues are unrelated and should not enter into the discussion on the bond proposal.

Period!

Supporters of the school upgrades have ample valid points concerning the age and limitations with our current school buildings.

Yes, in an ideal world, this issue perhaps should have been addressed in the past instead of grouping several essential projects into one.

But those decisions are behind us and today we face the reality of addressing the problem that will shape our school system for years to come.

I said from the very beginning that this school board should be commended for their courage and vision in placing this issue before the voters.

But let me also say without reservation that those opposed to the bond proposal are not anti-school or anti-student. Opponents simply believe the cost is too much especially in these troubled economic times.

I have said from the start that I would support this bond proposal because I view it as an investment in our community.

Past generations of Sikeston residents pitched in and built many of the schools we still use today. And if our community is to grow and prosper, an updated, safe learning environment in our schools is essential.

Because of the size and complexity of this bond proposal, I strongly suspect there is still ample misunderstanding on the exact financial impact on the property owners of this school district.

And though some will argue that the price is too much to bear, it's not too much if you view this as an investment that will help attract and retain the best and brightest in the education community.

Come Tuesday, I ask you to join me and countless others in supporting a new dawn for our school system.

Never in our community's history have we been given an opportunity to remake and reshape a central element for a community - the school system.

We need to seize this opportunity and pitch in - as thousands have in the past - to make tomorrow a brighter day for the students of today and far into the future.