A special Board of Education meeting was held last Thursday to discuss the possibility of trying again for the bond issue.

With one member absent, Gary Huffman, the remaining board members voted unanimously to put the bond issue back on the ballot for August 5, 2008.

The decision came after the Board heard citizens speak both for and against retrying the issue.

“With all the people loosing their jobs and houses and such, is there going to be enough money to pay this back?” asked Frank Burke, Sr.

“Legally we cannot do that. We cannot borrow more than we can pay back,” said Superintendent Joy Tucker.

One father, Charlie VanDick, experimented to see the safety of the schools. According to VanDick, he sat outside of the elementary school in his car, hanging out the window taking photos of children. For three hours, he took photos of students who walked alone. He counted nearly 50 students that someone could have stolen.

“Times have changed. Don't tell me 'back in my day…' Back in your days Victoria's Secret ads were considered hardcore pornography. Our kids aren't safe anymore, as much as I hate to say,” VanDick said. “Yeah, it's a lot of money, but how much is your child's life worth? It's time.”

On the other hand, Paul Rueff, brought up many things for the Board to consider.

Rueff pointed out that in April 2005 a bond issue of $3.4 million failed, and in April 2008 a bond issue for $9 million failed. “Maybe the voters are trying to tell you something,” he said.

To clarify, Steve Gaunt, Board President said “I keep hearing $9 million. The ballot says not to exceed $9 million. We hope to build it for less.”

One of Rueff's main concerns was that people are saying this is not an increase. Rueff pointed out that an extension would increase what people pay - not up front, but in the long term everyone will be paying more taxes. “How is that extension not an increase?”

“I have spoken to a lot of folks and the majority of them don't understand why we don't just build a new High School.

Rueff said though it sounds like he is not in favor of education, he is.

“I do think a bond issue could and should be passed in the future,” said Rueff, but this is not the one. “I think it would be prudent for you to step back - it's good business,” said Rueff.

In conclusion Rueff asked the board to think about one final question. “The Superintendent and five of the seven board members changed since the middle school was built. Is this your plan because it is your plan, or because it has been on the plate for five years?”

A committee of concerned citizens formed in order the help pass Kids Count. They call themselves the Kids Count Committee.

“A small group of people can make an enormous difference,” said member Cyndi Salter.

Member Brandi Auxier explained, “We would rather spend the $9 million now that $20 million later, renovating and maintaining.”

Another member, Tamara VanNorman, invited everyone to help. “This community is not going to grow. These children are not going to stay here if we don't take care of this.”

A newer member to the community, Jamie Conkling, also had something to day.

“I moved here about the time the Middle School was made,” said Conkling. “I think that jobs left unfinished need to be finished. I feel like this is a small investment that would be well worth the cost.”

Board member Larry Rinehart, who was on the board when the Middle School was made, pointed out that the conversion to the a high school was always the plan. Rinehart brought a sample ballot to the meeting to show anyone with concerns.

 “It was always our plan,” said Rinehart. “We were not able to bond for [a high school] back then, or we would have.”

In addition, the Leader-Journal did some checking and found that this in fact was published in the newspaper.
“I'm concerned that if we wait we aren't going to be able to do it for $9 million,” said Gaunt.

In response, Board member John Phillips said, “That's why we want to get it done as soon as possible.

Board member Debbie Hughes said, “Everyone does so much to make this school better. The money is not being spent needlessly. I'm very conservative. If the money was being spent needlessly, I would speak out.”

Hughes was concerned, however, about the amount people are talking about safety. “Let's do the best we can without scaring people. Anyone can be grabbed anywhere. Let's not over emphasize this.”

Rodney Southard had another take on the issue.
“Every child we can raise out of this community is worth the investment, worth every cent,” said Southard.

Former board member and concerned citizen, Brad Frazier, said, “The bonds aren't going to get any cheaper. I don't think we have a choice.

“I wouldn't wait. I think the longer you wait the less of a chance you have to keep this fire going.”

Frazier said the first thing the Wal-Mart Distribution Center did when they came to look at St. James was look at the school system. “If a community isn't investing in its own school district, why would a company invest in you?”

“The future of our community is in dire need of a change,” said Dusty Craft, a recent graduate.

Board Member Kevin Cheek said, “even though we have a quality district and teachers. The facility needs to keep pace.”

Phillips was the first to say that he was in support of putting it back on the ballot, and recommended they put it on the August ballot. Gaunt agreed.

“From what I've hear, the people want it on. I think they have told us they want it on,” said Hughes.

Southard made the motion to place the bond issue back on the ballot on August 5. Hughes seconded.

The vote was unanimous for all members present.

The next Board of Education meeting is Thursday May 15 at 6:30 p.m.