Dear Editor,
I am a parent in the St. James School District. I am writing in regards to the bond issue that did not pass on April 8. As a parent I am disappointed that this bond did not pass. I believed this was a "no-brainer" issue, and any parent, grandparent, or adult who has been in the buildings in this district could and would see the need for these changes. The improvements to the buildings would make the schools safer, more practical and functional buildings. I feel the problem that lies in the community is people who are misinformed, partially informed, or people listening to others who are not familiar with the issues and spreading mis-information or half-truths. I believe that anyone in the community that had a question, or was not sure about something with this bond issue, if he/she would approach a board member, school administrator, or take a tour of the building him/herself the concerns could and would be properly addressed. I would also encourage people in the community who are not sure about the issues to clarify what the issue is before voting.
I personally have been in all three buildings. The truth is, the elementary needs enclosed walkways for the safety of the children. Not only to keep them out of the elements of the weather when going to and from classes, but also to give them added protection in the case of a tornado. Right now the elementary children must go into the bathrooms, that have been used all day, and sit on the floors because there are not any secure hallways to put them in. I am a new parent to the community and I was afraid the first day I dropped my child off at school and saw that she would be walking exposed to and from different areas of the building. My first thought coming from a different school district was how unsafe this is and how easy it would be for someone to grab a child and be on the interstate with him/her in less than five minutes. The person could go in either direction so quickly before anyone realized what had happened. I know some people may not want to admit this or acknowledge that our world has changed in recent years, but we as a community have to realize with the schools proximity to the interstate it makes our children vulnerable to outsiders, or people who may just be passing through town.
