The plant facility levy election, which is set for Oct. 29, fails to consider the current financial situation of Blaine County. There is declining enrollment in the schools due to families leaving the area to find work. Tax revenues throughout the county are down. We have close to 10 percent unemployment. Everyone is tightening their belts. The levy has too many unnecessary and very expensive projects that won't provide educational benefits for our students.
What will the levy fund? There are 18 separate projects, including:
· $31.5 million to $35.5 million to install ground source heat pump systems in all the schools. This will save $500,000 over a 10-year period. That is not fiscally responsible.
· $1.75 million to upgrade security systems (Are we that unsafe that this is necessary?) · Solar snowmelt systems, irrigation improvements, solar power and drop ceilings installed in the Community Campus auditorium and Carey gym.
· Geothermal well development.
All this information is on Blaine School's Web site.
It is a commendable goal to have the latest and best of all facilities. We currently have three nearly new schools: Carey (which is at 50 percent capacity), Wood River High School and Woodside Elementary School. Our middle school (which is only a few years old) has been recognized nationally for its technology department. Some of the older schools do need improvements, but the levy is not addressing those needs!
The district is asking for facilities additions and improvements while teachers in the district voted not to negotiate a new contract in recognition of the poor economic environment. If education is the goal, then teachers, para-professionals and educational technology is the heart of the system, not the latest in facilities technology.
The levy should be a responsible levy. Target essential needs and save the dream projects for when the county returns to economic stability.
Ken Wallman
Ketchum
