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.
As far as the high school is concerned, I do not think anyone in the community can deny it is outdated and has out served its purpose. The older part of the high school is not easily handicapped accessible.
The rooms are small with original hardwood floors and the stairways and halls are narrow. It was built to hold and educate fewer children than what are in the district now. Part of the high school is not air conditioned, while part of the building in the winter is cold and drafty. My biggest concern is the teen drivers and the children that are walking or riding bikes to and from school. I feel this is an accident waiting to happen.
I am also aware the middle school was originally and intentionally built as a phase 1 building project to be completed as a high school. Why would the community vote for phase 1 of a project and then decide to vote no and not finish the project that was started? I feel we owe it to the children to finish what was started.
In conclusion, I invite all parents who are interested in seeing the "Kids Count" bond issue put on the election ballot again to attend the School Board Meeting Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 6:30p.m.
Anyone interested in participating on a parent committee to see the bond issue pass should attend this meeting or contact me Amber Van Norman.
Sincerely,
Amber Van Norman
STJ concerned parent
St. James R-I Board of Education Special Meeting
Tuesday, April 29, 2008 - 6:30 P.M.
High School Library
Agenda:
I. Call to Order
II. Adoption of Agenda
III. Possible Construction of New and Renovated Facilities
IV. Adjourn to Open Session
V. Adjourn
