Proposition S will make our school district stronger

Dear NEVC patrons,

Each month as I sit at the NEVC meetings of the board of education, I am always amazed at the amount of money it takes to run what most people consider to be, and is, a "small" school system. Of course we have the usual teacher, administrative, and support staff salaries, but also with our aged facilities incur expenses for two buildings, both elementary and high school. We run two kitchens, require two servers for our computers, and pay heating and air conditioning bills for two buildings, not to mention extra fuel for one-way shuttle buses, and just the general up-keep of two locations instead of one. For one example, during the last school year we spent approximately $70,000 for propane alone, just to heat the two locations. April 6 could change things for us. With passage of the proposed Proposition S, the district would construct a new, safer, and more efficient facility to house all our students under one roof. With passage, the district could take advantage of federal stimulus money to help defray interest expenses. That particular stimulus money is only available on the April 6 ballot. And, since we help fund stimulus money, why shouldn't we be the ones to directly benefit from it?

I could go on and on about the savings, but the truth of the matter is, the students of this district deserve safe and efficient facilities in which to attend school. We must take responsibility and take care of where we live. Despite tough economic times, this is a winning proposal for everyone. Construction jobs are needed and are at a low point right now, just the time we need to take advantage of these things. As a school board member, I must not only be concerned for the well-being of my own children, but I must always consider what is the best for all students in the district. I feel like the board is moving forward with Proposition S to make our district even stronger. That, as a board, is our responsibility.

Respectfully submitted,

Jeanne G. Hoagland