The $60 million question

By Alexander Rich, Staff Writer
Friday, October 17, 2008 | 54 comment(s)

CB district asks voters to reinvest in school buildings

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COOS BAY — From a distance, the buildings in the Coos Bay School District look fine. They stand in their familiar locations, lending a sense of permanence to their surrounding neighborhoods.

There is a cost to having these educational landmarks. They get old.

At closer inspection, Coos Bay’s schools show troubling signs. Doors are patched together with plywood. Paint is chipping from exterior walls.

The pirate’s face adorning Marshfield High School’s gym still looks sharp, but cracks surrounding the logo from water damage. And inside are antiquated electrical and heating systems that are difficult to repair because replacement parts are no longer made.

“When you are inside, it’s getting embarrassing,” said school board member Wally Hazen.

The district has decided it is time to retire two of its elementary school facilities. It also wants to make additional repairs to other school buildings, particularly at Marshfield High School.  So the board has put a $59.95 million bond measure on the November ballot.

The decision came after an architectural company analyzed the district’s buildings and found lots of leaks, antiquated electrical systems and other delayed repairs.

The school board-appointed committee spent several months discussing how to address those problems and came up with a recommendation to build new schools at Madison Elementary School and the former Eastside School. There also will be significant repairs at other schools.

New schools

The big ticket items are the two new schools. Each would cost about $20 million. The decision to build was based on a demographic shift in the district’s populations as well as on the state of the buildings.

Madison is already very full, Hazen said. There was talk of adding classrooms in addition to making repairs. But the cost of adding onto the building was so great — about $10 million — that it made more sense to build a new school. Although the district would need $20 million in the short term, a new school would require very little maintenance in future years.

Rebuilding Eastside school, which was closed earlier in the decade, was part of the original plans of the Schools for the Future committee. Ron Opitz, the group’s co-chairman, said phone surveys found a lot of support for re-opening Eastside. It also would meet the demand of a growing student population in the eastern part of the district.

Costs & Benefits

Opitz said this cost will result in improvements in the classroom in several ways. Improvements in heating and ventilation will provide a more comfortable environment for students, which will make it easier to learn. There also will be less routine maintenance, which means more money going toward teaching.

And since new buildings are more energy efficient, there will be some energy savings, though it’s impossible to quantify, said Danielson.

“Each school has a life cycle and these are way beyond it,” Optiz said. “It’s time.”

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Bond Issue


What: Coos Bay School District is seeking $60 million in a bond measure request on the Nov. 4 ballot.


Why: For two new elementary schools and repairs to Marshfield High School, Millicoma Intermediate School, Bunker Hill Elementary, Sunset Middle School and the district administration building.


Cost: First 10 years, property taxes will increase by $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed value. In the 11th year, that will drop to $1.80 per $1,000.


Pay-off time: 25 years
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contractor wrote on Oct 23, 2008 8:51 PM:

I OWN SEVERAL PIECES OF RENTAL PROPERTY THAT I HAVE A HARD TOME RENTING AND A 400,000.00 SPECK HOME THAT I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO SELL FOR 2 YEARS, I ALSO HAVE A SUBDIVISION THAT I HAVEN'T SOLD ANY LOTS IN EITHER. $2.50 PER 1000 WILL KILL ME RIGHT NOW. THEIR IS NO MARKET OR ANY OF THESE PROPERTIES. THIS WILL COST ME $1000.00'S I'VE BEEN GOING BACKWORDS FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS ALREADY. I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH LONGER I CAN HANG ON. THIS WILL PUSH ME OVER THE EDGE.

Coosbanian wrote on Oct 23, 2008 2:04 PM:

This bond is NOT subject to Measure 11 limitations, making it a tax on the inflated 'Real Market Value' of your home, not the 'Assessed Value' you pay most other taxes on. Look at the correct RMV number on your property tax statement and multiply THAT by 0.0025 and you'll see the real increase. If you think that simply not owning your home will save you from this, think again. If you rent in Coos Bay, expect to see that bond amount and then some tacked on to your rent. Landlords will be 'passing the savings' along to their renters, guaranteed.

Mr E wrote on Oct 23, 2008 2:03 PM:

Please, point to any study suggesting the condition of our schools is what keeps families away. I'd bet that the MAIN reason is the downtrodden economy, and the lack of a middle class. The only jobs that seem to be open in this area are minimum wage service jobs.
I'm not a fan of more tax increases, because the people who DO own their own homes are paying enough as it is, and it isn't as if all of those people are rich.

Of course, there are many things we can do to improve our current buildings. For any issues with ADA accessibility, we can apply for money through the ADA to have our buildings brought up to code (I worked on a multi-million dollar project funded through an ADA deal, where we built new sidewalks and ramps on a hill that was to steep to allow use of a mobility-assisting device, outside of a cane or crutches). We could likely find some companies that would love to help the schools (and get the positive publicity) by sealing some of the cracks in windows. We have options that don't include more taxes!

CB mom wrote on Oct 23, 2008 9:48 AM:

I am a currently unemployed single mother, not receiving any public assistance and I own my own home. I am very involved in my child's school and education. With no job and barely making it...I will still vote YES on this bond. I know the extra $750 (my tax raise)a year is a lot, but I have seen the environment my children have had to endure for the past 5 years. And remember our taxes will be going down $1.80 very soon from a past bond...so really it is only a .70 tax raise in the end. Its an option to really think about. VOTE YES ON OUR FUTURE!

Current Student wrote on Oct 22, 2008 6:01 PM:

$60 million dollars supports one heck of a curriculum. Interestingly enough, the buildings are the least important factor.

barley making it wrote on Oct 22, 2008 12:15 PM:

To concerned,
After reading your comments, it is obvious you have not read the measure. We will be taxed $2.50 for every $1,000 assessed value on your property. My house was assessed in 2007 at $300,000. That means I will have to pay an extra $750 a year in property tax. Now add that to the extra $250 a year I am paying for the new fire station, and my property tax has gone up $1,000. A little more then the few cents you speak of. I would rather keep my $1,000 and spend extra time with my children doing homework. This also does not include the sheriffs proposed bond measure which would raise proerty taxes for me another $100. Too many bond measures during a recession is a bad thing. I hate to say it, but I think it is time that we start looking at a sales tax. Property owners cannot afford to keep footing the bills for the community. I am happy to read that the recession has not impacted you, unfortunatly the same does not hold true for the rest of America.

PUT SOME EFFORT IN wrote on Oct 22, 2008 11:14 AM:

The lack luster effort to sell this bond measure to the community has me in awe.

If the district really needs the money then they should have started campaigning for this budget measure months ago. I see little door to door canvassing, few yards signs, no website with information, no mailers, and little phone banking.

Everyone one wants to vote for a winner.

I would be more encouraged if the folks proposing this bond acted like they really believed in it. I don't get the feeling that they believe it will pass, otherwise they would be hitting this full force.

Concerned wrote on Oct 22, 2008 10:08 AM:

Have any of you against this Bond Measure visited a CB school lately? They are old, out-dated and falling apart! They leak, stink and are not ADA accessible! Let's see... would you rather spend a few extra dollars on a supporting the most important place for our youth? Or save a few bucks to by booze and smokes? Seriously people, if you are worried that you will be losing your house because of a few cents increase in your taxes, you have bigger things to worry about! Vote Yes to support our schools.. the Leaders of tommorrow are depending on it!

hmmm wrote on Oct 22, 2008 1:48 AM:

To Barely Making it:

Thank you for shedding a different light on this subject; you bring up a really good point. I too am in favor of doing whatever we can for schools and want to vote yes; but not at the expense of children's parents losing their homes.

Unlike some of the harsh, judgmental entries I read here, yours really hits home as to what this bond could do to struggling families.

I will definitely keep your comments in mind when making my final decision and no matter how this turns out, I wish you all the best.

good luck wrote on Oct 21, 2008 9:04 PM:

I don't see too many supporting this. Maybe better decisions need to be made.

Resident wrote on Oct 21, 2008 6:03 PM:

Maintenance shouldn't be paid for as the need arises--none now, more later. Money should be designated for maintenance and set aside until it is needed.

TO C WORD wrote on Oct 21, 2008 5:27 PM:

Total school enrollment goes up when there are more new students entering kindergarten than seniors who graduated last year. That happened this year. Middle school doesn't have much impact on the number of total students because most of those students were in the district last year.

Historical Perspective wrote on Oct 21, 2008 5:23 PM:

25 years ago there were 11 elementary schools in the Coos Bay School District. Now there are three. In an effort to save taxpayer money, the school board eliminated at least 8 administrators (principals) and closed or sold schools that we could not afford to keep operating(Allegany, Charleston, Coos River, Eastside, Englewood, Greenacres, Milner Crest and Sumner). We "consolidated" with ourself. (North Bend has no desire to consolidate with us, so it is a waste of time to bring that issue up in a discussion about new school bonds.) The fact of life is that all three of the elementary schools in the district are well past the end of their useful life but are at full capacity. We can't close any more schools. They will cost more to repair and maintain than they are worth. It is past time to start replacing them. The longer we wait, the more expensive it will be. If you think it costs too much now, how much do you think it will cost later? We should have started 10 years ago.

Wyrd wrote on Oct 21, 2008 2:47 PM:

Then why did we sell all the schools we already had? Have these people bumped their heads?

barely making it wrote on Oct 21, 2008 12:43 PM:

I wish I could go along with this measure. I vote in favor with school bonds when they are on the ballot. The recession, and the new fire department bond have forced me to vote no on this. I'm on the verge of losing it all, and this bond coupled with the fire deparment bond would raise my property taxes $1000 per year. It's sad that my kids have to go to a school that is subpar, but it's more important to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table.

to the c word wrote on Oct 21, 2008 10:46 AM:

the c word -
Your facts, at least regarding Coos Bay schools, are wrong. Millicoma had an increase in enrollment this year. Call them to verify if you want. Don't make stuff up.

The C word wrote on Oct 21, 2008 10:31 AM:

I know for a FACT that the projection for 2010 to 2013 are for fewer students going into MHS and NBHS, due to the fact that there has been less enrollment at both middle schools right now.

to resident wrote on Oct 21, 2008 10:22 AM:

Wow. You really know how to stretch things out of context. When it mentioned Opitz talking about new ventilation and heating systems the article followed with "There also will be less routine maintenance, which means more money going toward teaching." The newswriter should have stated that there there will be less NEED FOR routine maintenance because of new, higher efficiency systems. The "othere things" that you are complaining the money saved on maintenance would be going for: teaching.

Resident wrote on Oct 21, 2008 9:34 AM:

To Sick to My Stomach--you are right. Not only is the money that should have been used for maintenance gone, the quote in the article says officials plan to use the CURRENT maintenance money for other things.

the expense is shared by everyone wrote on Oct 21, 2008 8:56 AM:

The recent economic downturn, while not good news, makes it that much more important for our community to stand up to the challenges on our own.

CD,
the bond measure is, in fact, shared across the board, just as you wished and as is the right thing to do. The levy is on all property, not just residential.

Sick To My Stomach,
No one "gave money away". If you can't explain the comment, than you shouldn't make it. In the meantime. take a tour of the schools. Attend a meeting. Get the facts.

Again, absolutely everyone shares in the cost of providing schools for the kids in our district, not just homeowners. Vote YES for Coos Bay kids.

CD wrote on Oct 20, 2008 7:32 PM:

I want to only hear from the ones footing the bill--HOME-OWNERS!!!! Why can't we add a 2% local tax accross the board--everyone shares the expense! It seems the only ones who are crying, "save our schools" are the ones who won't have to pay a dime! You think your rent is high now--just wait. Also, at a time when so many home owners are nearing foreclosure and desperatly trying to keep their homes, you all want to drive the knife in more?

Sick to My Stomach wrote on Oct 20, 2008 7:23 PM:

Yes, I am sick, as a taxpayer! The money which should have been used to maintain these schools was given away! As a homeowner, I have been paying taxes for schools out of MY POCKET and seen little for the money spent. The only people who would vote this measure in are obviously those who don't own a home, not because they couldn't afford it, but because "they've" made mistakes, okay, forgiven, but don't dare ask me to pay your bill while you contribute NOTHING!

to the c word wrote on Oct 20, 2008 10:43 AM:

There is a reason the CBSD is not saying the future enrollment is falling. Enrollment in CBSD rose this year. It is almost impossible to accurately predict future enrollment. Though it was predicted that CBSD would lose some more students this year, as announced at the last school board meeting, enrollment is actually up by more than a few dozen this year. Enrollment predictors are not a secret. You just need to watch the meetings on public access TV or call the district to find out information.

Regarding consolidation: it's been brought up several times over the years. Though it would seem to make good financial sense, the voters of each district never seem to see it that way.

The C word wrote on Oct 20, 2008 9:52 AM:

What the CBSD is not telling is the future enrollment is falling.
Why not consolidate with North Bend?

two different pools of money wrote on Oct 20, 2008 9:17 AM:

Jae - As explained at community meetings regarding the bond issue over the last two years, the $60 million dollar figure is a pared back figure from what it would take to replace everything that actuallly needs to be replaced. The committee looked at replacing three schools and doing major upgrades and repairs (just under $100 million) on the high side and just doing repairs to "get by" for another ten years (over $45 million). The smaller figure was regarded by the committee as throwing good money after bad when, for another $15 million, you could build two new schools that would cut back maintenance and energy costs, saving the district money in the long run, and creating a solution to problems that would then not have to be addressed for several decades.

And, yes, every cent is used for buildings; new construction, major upgrades, newer energy-efficient, low-maintnence system, etc.

Jae wrote on Oct 18, 2008 12:38 PM:

To "Two different pools of money". You obviously didn't understand the point of my message- or the fact that I have gone to school in these buildings for a good portion of my life. You might re-read, just like the budget reports you speak of, my statement that maybe $60 million is a little too much. If you still don't agree, then I'll gladly allow you take over my university expenses (minus fin aid) and student loans that I will surely accrue over the next few years! $60 mil. is too much all at once, in this society- money = power, do you really believe that every cent is going to be used for "buildins" only? Smaller pieces at a time, it's much more manageable that way.

two different pools of money wrote on Oct 18, 2008 8:09 AM:

To RESIDENT -
Specifically what that means is that, with newer electrical and mechanical systems, along with new roofs, windows, doors, etc; less maintenance is required on those items. That pool of money from the state which is not only used for programs but for ongoing maintenance, also (different than the money provided by the bond for new buildings and major upgrades), would then have more money (that state money used in the maintenance budget to patch together decaying mechanical and electrical systems)available for educational programs. I hope I explained that clearly.

kat wrote on Oct 18, 2008 1:33 AM:

I don't see how we have a choice but to pass this measure. I think its worth the price to stop the downward spiral our community is in. We have to start somewhere and this is a place that we can take control rather than waiting for that "big company" that is always coming yet never seems to arrive.

Its not just for the kids, its for all of us. We cannot continue to just react, at some point we have to be proactive. This is a chance to plan for the future.

Resident wrote on Oct 17, 2008 4:30 PM:

To Two Different Pools of Money--
The story says, "There also will be less routine maintenance, which means more money going toward teaching." The reporter leads us to believe that Ron Opitz said this. If this is correct, it says money can be moved from maintenance to other areas of the budget.

two different pools of money wrote on Oct 17, 2008 1:09 PM:

Jae & What A Shame,

The money that the district receives from the state goes toward programs, teachers, busing, maintenance and other programs. In Oregon it is the responsibility of the community to provide buildins for district programs. Budget meetings and School Board meetings are open to the public. If you have questions regarding how and what money is spent in the district, you should attend those meetings and ask questions. Copies of the budget are readily available. The studies conducted by engineers and independant auditors stated that the District has done a great job on maintenance but that older buildings and obsolete technologies willonly take you so far. I advise people to take a tour on one of the next two Saturdays. I took a tour and saw where the problems are for myself.

coos bay native wrote on Oct 17, 2008 12:54 PM:

Vote Yes to support the Coos Bay School District's Bond measure.

Jae wrote on Oct 17, 2008 10:15 AM:

On my way to being a university student, I attended 3 schools in this area- Blossom, Millicoma Middle (not Intermediate!) and MHS. I understand that some schools might need some work, that’s the result of depreciation & wear and tear. However, $60 million all at once is excessive; especially when not every school will benefit. Wasn’t eastside closed b/c Bunker had newer renovations? What happened? Main @ MHS is showing its age, but where does the money go? Sports? It’s surely not getting back to the Arts classes or teachers! I'm not opposed to making our schools nicer for students, but if it’s just a makeover to bring in big business, I think not. We should want Dr.'s who care about the community as a whole; they could help make the schools better too! They can't expect everything in this "dying" community to be perfect on its own. I think asking for a smaller amount is more acceptable, that way, we can see the differences -or, if they’re just giving the work to the highest bidder unnecessarily. As a community we can make more informed choices with results in our hands.

What a Shame wrote on Oct 17, 2008 9:36 AM:

Citizens within the Coos Bay School District should recall every one of their school board mdmbers. If anyone would bother to check on the original budgets throuhout the years, you will find that the money was put into the budget year after year to make these repairs, then TAKEN AWAY to be used for other things such as the new useless computerized blackboards. If you cannot see what is happening and what has happened to the money through the years, well then, you deserve what you get.

Resident wrote on Oct 17, 2008 9:17 AM:

To Coos Bay mother--
Passing this measure will be "for our children" alright. Since this is a 25-year debt and they will be grown by then, they can pay in increased rent prices or property taxes--if they are stuck here. Let's not make it so hard for them to get a house.

Opinion wrote on Oct 17, 2008 9:15 AM:

I am definately all for taking care of our kids, but with the housing market, high costs of gas and food, etc etc etc, taxing people is not going to help our kids in "school" if they don't have roof over their heads and food to eat. The homeless kid statistic will just get higher. Most people are just scraping by as it is...asking for more money that we don't already have is just not feasible for most taxpayers. 60 million dollars is a lot of money at a time like this for sure.

Resident wrote on Oct 17, 2008 9:12 AM:

Can our area affort a rent increase of around $40/month?

CB Mother wrote on Oct 16, 2008 6:30 PM:

Kay- teachers do make a quality education. Have you been in a 2nd grade classroom where the wind blows through the window cracks, 28 kids crammed in a classroom designed for 15, uneven floors (wonders for those in walkers), physically handicapped children have to walk downhill in the rain,ice and storm just to be able to eat lunch, children riding on buses for about 2 hours a day. These teachers are angels because they continue to teach in these conditions. These children are too for being able to learn in these conditions. The teachers, along with the children, deserve so much better. Go take a tour of these schools, you will see.

CB Mother wrote on Oct 16, 2008 6:25 PM:

To Gene You are right many leave this town. Because many of those kids do not want to send their kids to schools that are falling down. I know I didn't. I moved away, and then I came back and am now raising my children in the same run down school I went to as a child. Did you know that we are in a physician shortage in this area. And did you know the quality of schools is a main reason Dr.s don't want to live in this area? Can we live with healthcare workers? Have you seen the slideshow and pictures of the school. It may make you think twice....it solidified my vote.

Charleston Grandma wrote on Oct 16, 2008 4:04 PM:

As I see it as much as Charleston and Barview are growing more and more we need a new school out here! These kids have to be on the bus for a long time in order to get to school and to get home! The Eastside school I agree with also because of the outlying areas there too, lets think of the bussing issues when doing this, heck these poor kids spend more time riding back and forth than they are in school!

Resident wrote on Oct 16, 2008 3:45 PM:

Reason for building a $20 million school: to spend the maintenance money on other things--at least for 15 years until it needs a new roof. Then I guess the Coos Bay School Board can go back to voters for more money.

Another CB Mom wrote on Oct 16, 2008 2:57 PM:

Support our childern! I hope everyone who is opposing this bond measure takes time to at least view the silde show and see how bad of shape these schools are in. I will vote YES! Knowing that I am helping create better surroundings to send my childern to, is worth paying the extra taxes.

Sure why not wrote on Oct 16, 2008 2:50 PM:

#1 Try having 4 straight weeks of school without missing 1 of the 5 days with in the week. There is always some excuse to have a shortened week.

#2 Try making up ice days, snow days & wind days particularly when there is NO WIND!

#3 If you do not want your kid to be cold buy him or her a jacket! Personally I do not know how many around here even get cold, they seem to get plenty to eat!

#4 Have school in your multi million dollar airport!

#5 $200,000 home equals extra $500 per year in property tax. OUCH!!! Will they take it as an opportunity to reassess the value of your home? DOWN! Home prices are dropping.

Make due with what we have. Spend the money on Teachers & supplies & computers etc...

ODITTODOTTER wrote on Oct 16, 2008 1:52 PM:

What?
Are them thar 'libruls' messin' with our young'ins'?
My word and goodness sakes!

I doubt the "classrooms" are teachin' that thar 'evilution' butcha never know!


60 million dollars-no way, no how.
Thats a stupid amount of money to hand out.
And dont any one start yelling "think of the Children!" because this proposal isnt. Its thinking of contractors and other good old boy deals.

No thanks.

Charlene wrote on Oct 16, 2008 1:47 PM:

These are difficult financial times, but that is a poor excuse to allow our schools to go unattended. Many of our schools had to close due to the safety issue and finacial problems. I've been in most of these schools at one time or another and they need to be updated and in some cases completely guttered and rebuilt. Gene, I don't think we as a society can survive without sales clerks and cooks they are both important jobs to this area and to our economy and anyone holding those jobs need not have a "lower sense of selfworth" they are appreciated and respected for what they do.

Just An Observer wrote on Oct 16, 2008 1:31 PM:

I wonder if ODOTTER would pony up if the schools spouted rightwingnut rhetoric, fascism, propagandized history and creationism?


The taxpayers voted down budgets many years ago. The elected school board cut back maintenance to pass the budgets. The taxpayers had their say and now have to live with the consequences. That's LIFE.

New School Supporter-BUTT wrote on Oct 16, 2008 1:15 PM:

The schools are needed but the TAX increase is HUGE! This is on average a 15% increase to the median household, or $310 bucks a year, based on a 123K house. I agree the schools need work, but there are other ways to get funding than taxes. $250 bucks per 100,000 is $20.00 per 100,000 per month, and that is TO HIGH!

i love my community wrote on Oct 16, 2008 1:01 PM:

Sometimes things may not be easy, but they are still necessary for a better future for our kids and our community. I am voting YES on Measure 6-120!

cb dad wrote on Oct 16, 2008 12:52 PM:

Gene - A community showing support and commitment for quality schools is what businesses look for when finding a place to locate or relocate to. That's why it's important to support this measure. Nobody else will build needed schools for us. In Oregon it's up to the community to provide educational facilities.

Kay - The independant analysis showed that the CB School District managed its maintenance fund very well. But if you read the report, you will find that these buildings and mechanical systems are well past their useful life.
You stated that you "don't think new schools make a quality education, great teachers and support do." I agree that great teachers and support are the most important factors. Quality schools, however, attract and retain great teachers, something that we are blessed with and don't want to lose. And support for our schools would be best shown by our community passing this bond measure which was carefully thought out and planned for over the past three years by independant studies, professional engineers, and community people who volunteered their time and input.

to odotter wrote on Oct 16, 2008 12:34 PM:

I assure you that the Coos Bay schools have outstanding history and science instruction and promote good citizenship. Visit the schools and see for yourself. I have.

As for past faculty members, we cannot judge our schools' needs based on them. We are talking about community pride, our children and the necessity to provide quality schools for them.

Kay wrote on Oct 16, 2008 12:20 PM:

In these financial times, not a reality to spend money we taxpayer's don't have. With already having to support a bond for a fire station,with no designated home as of yet, not sure we have money to build new schools just because maintenance money was mismanaged years ago when it was readily available. I received a voice message at home last week from someone at Marshfield High School reiterating how important this school bond was for our students and community. This person did not verbally display the qualities that perspective voters want to hear when deciding whether or not to spend $1.80-$2.50 per $1,000 of assessed value. If the money is for education, then the people making the calls should speak properly! I don't think new schools make a quality education, great teachers and support do!

Gene wrote on Oct 16, 2008 12:09 PM:

Hey CB Mother, that would be great and then they could pack their toothbrush and head for greener pastures where they could earn a living. It is good you included "salesclerks and cooks" because those are the jobs most likely to cause a lowered sense of selfworth. What we need is jobs first. Then, we can start looking at spending money we don't have now.

Coos Bay Grandfather wrote on Oct 16, 2008 12:03 PM:

I think it's time for Coos Bay to step up and replace these two elementary schools, both of which are older than I am. My children passed through those halls. My wife attended school there. My grandshildren will be attending school there. I have been on the building tour and have seen the antiquated electrical, heating, and plumbing systems that you can't get parts for anymore.

For the future of our kids, to attract new business, and for our community; it's our responsibility to step up to the plate. No one else will do it for us.

odotter wrote on Oct 16, 2008 11:23 AM:

It would be much easier to support this measure if the classrooms didn't teach revisionist history, socialism, pseudo-science and didn't have a history of its faculty members going on to run for state office to continue espousing their left-wing rhetoric.

CB Mother wrote on Oct 16, 2008 11:16 AM:

Let pass this measure for our children, grandchildren and future generations. Remember these kids deserve a warm, safe place to learn.
These are our future doctors, nurses, teachers, salesclerks, cooks...people we need everyday.
And for those of us that dont have children in this city...you do and will need the above educated children to fill these occupations in order to help you.
Lets band together for the children, who don't have a voice in this issue.


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