TO THE EDITOR

Several years ago the school board began action to address the need for new and improved school facilities. Existing facilities were deemed too expensive to maintain and operate; some of the facilities were temporary; and more up-to-date special facilities were needed.

The school system is important in any community, but that importance is elevated in a county like Lincoln County, with it’s traditional values, family orientation, and small community structures and economy. Residents take special pride in the qualities and accomplishments of the schools, and justifiably so with excellence in athletics (especially football) and frequent high scores in various academic tests and rankings. Recognizing these values and attitudes, it is not surprising that the facilities’ plan to address the schools’ needs was very ambitious.

I’m sure everyone that has seen or is familiar with the new facility feels the needs of the high school have been met. Indeed, it is being said it is the finest in the state for a school the size of Lincoln County High School. To the extent that improved facilities can enhance academic and athletic performance, high school programs should receive a big boost. And that is good!

While we can be pleased that high school facilities needs have been met, other concerns remain that call for board and public attention, namely: middle school remains located in old facilities needing repairs and previously deemed too expensive to maintain and operate. The new facility contains space greatly exceeding what the school board plan showed being needed for the high school. In fact the school board requested space for the new facility based on needs for the high school and middle school.

It seems that the school board, after receiving approval for funding of space for both schools in the new facility, decided to locate the middle school in the old facilities. Why was a corresponding reduction in the space plan for the new facilities not made? In considering this situation with the new facility, the State DOE has under review a requirement that the Lincoln County School System return between $4.4 and $7.7 million if the new facility is not used for high and middle school as stated in the contract.

Keep in mind that Lincoln County is not experiencing population growth, and in fact the school board facilities plan projects a slightly declining population. I have not seen, from anyone, an objectively based forecast of Lincoln County student population that would justify the size of the facility on the basis of high school use only.

We have at least two issues to be considered here: 1) the integrity of the school board decision process, and 2) the waste of critical resources for education (both state and local dollars), as every dollar wasted is a dollar not spent on education. It is truly a wonderful new high school, but without detracting from the benefits of the new facility, we must hold the school board accountable for these issues; we cannot sweep them under the rug!

J B MATTHEWS