[Vision2020] Finding a problem for the solution/School Levy Proposal

[Donovan Arnold]

Visioneers,

I have looked at every angle of this bond. I have visited with both Bob 
Celebrezze and Annette Erickson, both wonderful people. I have looked at 
both the Junior High and the High School. And I have read the entire 
contents of websites on both sides of this issue. (www.sd281.k12.id.us and 
www.moscowfons.org) I still cannot bring myself to support this project and 
misuse of taxpayer money. I think the taxpayer and students deserve a new 
plan. They need a plan that addresses the issues, not one designed to 
support the purchase of farm land.

Putting aside all the issues and questions that have not been answered, let 
us look at the facts.

The $29 million would be spent on the following:

Four Facilities Projects:
Project 1. Construct New High School on site up to 40 acres, Grades 9-12
Project 2. Remodel Russell Elementary, Grades K-5, two classes of each grade
Project 3. Remodel West Park Elementary, Grades K-5, two classes of each 
grade with core for three classes of each grade
Project 4. Remodel Moscow High School for Re-Use Plan

The professionals that evaluate school facilities have stated the Moscow 
School District needs the following;

McDonald Elementary  	needs expansion
            Junior High Field House          need minor renovation
            Junior High (main building)     needs minor renovation
            High School                             needs minor renovation
            Lena Whitmore Elementary    needs major renovation
            West Park Elementary            needs major renovation
            Russell Elementary                 needs major  renovation

This bond does not even address the most serious of problems facing 
students. I have no problem supporting a bond which would address this needs 
outlined by the professionals evaluating the schools. But the proposed bond 
projects do not do this. It does not really address any of the needs except 
some renovations to West Park and Russell.

The center piece of this entire proposed bond which changes the grade 
structure, builds a new high school, and adds land is only being addressed 
because of an offer for cheap farm land has been made. All bonds should be 
based on the needs of the students, not the acquisition of cheap land. This 
levy is creating problems that do not exist to get to a solution that allows 
them buy cheap farm land. This is not logical. This is so backwards.

Although well intentioned, this bond is irresponsible. If Moscow needed a 
new high school and had an increasing student population, I would support 
this plan. But Moscow has a decreasing student population and does not need 
a new high school. It needs renovation of all the schools except McDonald, 
which needs some classroom additions.

When the mechanic tells you that your car needs a tune-up and an oil change 
but the shiny wheels are 75% off, what do you spend your money on?

I encourage everyone to study this issue carefully and know all the facts. 
Although it pumps needed money into the school district, it is not going to 
the correct places. We need a plan that puts the money in the right places.

Finally, I would like to encourage people to attend the open houses. This is 
posted on the school district website,

“Open Houses on Saturday, April 9, 2005 at Moscow High School, Russell & 
West Park Elementary Schools, and the Trail property, site of the proposed 
new Moscow High School next to Mountain View Park. Also the Facilities 
Planning Committee meeting of Moscow School District will be held on Monday, 
April 11, 2005. The meeting will begin at 7 PM at the University of Idaho 
Business Incubator at the corner of Sweet Avenue and Highway 95, Moscow, 
Idaho.”


I want to make clear that I DO fully support education and want to see the 
needed renovations made to our schools. But I we have limited resources and 
taxpayers work hard for their money. We owe it to them to make sure the bond 
money goes to the problems of students not the wish list of administrators. 
I also realize that the overwheling majority of people really are arguing 
for what they think is best for the students.

Take Care,

Donovan J Arnold