Published: May 08, 2008 09:09 am            

EDITORIAL: ‘Yes’ vote for $28.4 million bond is vote for better schools

If the students in the Athens Independent School District are to receive the best education possible, voters in the district need to say “yes” this Saturday.

That is the day the decision will be made on the $28.4 million school bond proposal. Surely every resident in the district recognizes the need and would like to see essential improvements made. That it will cost voters, except those with frozen taxes, higher school property taxes is likely the only significant negative to the issue.

Students in AISD will learn best in uncrowded, inviting buildings that contain the tools teachers must have to provide the level of education needed in today’s competitive world.

The school board and the administration studied the school’s needs, determined the greatest ones and proposed a means by which they can be met.

Where the bond money will be used has been explained to the public. Every school building in the system will be improved. There will be adequate room for students, a condition that does not exist at present in several of the buildings. The problem of overcrowding will only grow worse unless met by some means. This bond issue takes care of that problem for years to come.

The school tax rate that will be required to retire the new debt along with the debt that exists from the 1999 bond program has been explained to the public. That rate will increase substantially. On the other hand, the need for improvements in the schools is very substantial.

The school board, after a string of 4-3 votes, was unanimous in support of the forthcoming vote. So are the candidates seeking a place on the school board in their election on the same day.

This school district’s residents have an opportunity to see that the physical needs of their schools are met. Meeting them will make a positive difference in the lives of thousands of students from preschool children to those on the threshold of adulthood.

Go to the school administration building in Athens on Hawn Street at the intersection with West College Street this Saturday.

And vote “yes.”

— Athens Daily Review

        

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