Letters to the Editor: Sanner, Holm, Western, on school bond election

Time for short-term high school fixes has passed

By Jim Sanner, Charles City

On Nov. 7th, voters will be asked to approve a bond measure giving the Charles City School District the necessary funding and go-ahead to proceed with plans to renovate our local high school and build a new auditorium.

Our current 63-year-old building is in dire need of repair and updating. The time for more temporary and short-term fixes has since passed.

A previous letter to the editor had argued for putting the brakes on and slowing down. That would seem to imply that this bond referendum has been a rush job, which is misleading and far from the truth.

The School Board and administration has carefully and thoroughly researched this issue over a period of years now and given everyone in the community ample opportunity along with the necessary facts and information to weigh in on their own thoughts and opinions. They have done their due diligence openly and responsibly and are to be commended for their efforts on all fronts.

I would encourage anyone with questions or concerns to visit their website at www.charlescitybond.org regarding this project. As is stated in the website: “The Charles City High School is a big point of pride in our community.” It is also a reflection of the community’s commitment and support to the education of our youth and the success of our local school district.

Please consider voting “yes” on Nov. 7th.

County taxpayers don’t want more tax burden

By Donald A. Holm, Charles City

I would like to express some concerns that should be considered when voting on the $28.5 million high school bond referendum, Nov. 7.

The high school was in need of repairs at the time of the construction of the new middle school, which was controversial.

A list of items to consider:

• The new Middle school was built costing an estimated $19.2 million, there was no bond issue therefore creating debt for the school system in 2016

• Since that time 20 acres north of town were purchased for purpose of an athletic complex.

• A softball and baseball field were built next to the High school (not on the land purchased for that purpose).

• A bus barn and administrative offices were built.

• The track was rebuilt and new fence put up.

I feel the infrastructure, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning at the high school is very important! This should definitely be addressed.

If we are near the point of having to “use port-a-pots in the parking lot,” quoted from Pat Rottinghaus in the Charles City Press on Oct. 13, 2023, if this is true shame on the district for letting it go this far.

If it is not true, this scare tactic is inappropriate.

Other major construction to make it a 21st century building is a want, not a need. I do not know that a 21st century building will raise our student’s academic performance.

Second thing to think about is the North Grand building auditorium.

Taken from the June 24, 2019, Press, the new building owner Foutch stated, “As part of our process, since it’s been brought up, the auditorium is in incredibly important part of the architectural and historic fabric of the property, so it is our intent to leave the auditorium intact, to make repairs and improvements as necessary to stabilize it and to make it available for continued use, but not to materially change it.”

He goes on to say, “They don’t do us or anybody else any good if they just sit empty, so it is always our intent to make them available as an amenity to the residents who lives there and to make them available as a resource to the community, either to the school or to the city or to the public,” he said.

In my opinion, the old middle school had a usable auditorium. It may not have been perfect, but it is beautiful, adequate, and historical. Several years ago, our community came forth with money to refurbish the old auditorium. Is it fair to just discard it? I feel something should be negotiated with Mr. Foutch to use the old auditorium or use the Charles Theater.

Lastly, I would like to convey the message that sometimes I question if funds are being spent on more of what is “wanted” than what is actually needed with all the uncertainty of the economy. I don’t feel that the taxpayers of the county want be burdened more.

Do the right thing for our kids: Vote ‘Yes’ on bonds

Nancy Western, Charles City

What will happen if we don’t pass the school bond referendum on Nov. 7?

There really are no good alternatives! The sewer problems at the high school won’t just go away. There is no AC system and the antiquated, inefficient steam heat system is failing in many areas. Any work done under the floors or in the ceilings will require asbestos abatement.

The School Board approved the bond issue after considering many alternatives. Without it, updates and renovations at the high school would need to be spread out over 12 years. This would impact the money available for roofing and upkeep of other district buildings, as well as bus purchases. It’s not a matter of if these changes are made, it is when.

Our fine arts students will continue to perform in venues meant for athletics, worship or movies.

A performing arts center will be an asset to the school and the community. The bond issue will cover building a basic auditorium. In partnership with Friends of Performing Arts, dollars raised will add necessary upgrades to bring an additional value of at least $3 million that the taxpayers will not be financing.

The school’s bonding limit is dictated by state law. The state also demands that the amount approved by voters cannot be exceeded. For each year of delay, the price will inflate by perhaps $1,000,000, which means fewer renovations can be made.

WSR has two state of the art auditoriums, a new middle school, an updated high school and is building a brand new elementary building. It’s easy for parents to open enroll their students to a nearby district, and it’s easy to commute to a great job in Charles City while moving your family to a school/community that offers the amenities you seek.

Let’s do the right thing for our kids and our community and vote YES on Nov. 7.