Time for new schools
Editor:
The middle and high schools are past their prime and need so much costly work that it’s time to replace them. The more than $28 million in project funding offered by the state to the Xenia Community Schools in 2016 must be accepted within one year, or it will go to another community for their schools. Without the state matching funds, 100 percent of the cost to repair, maintain or renovate the existing buildings will have to be paid by us locally. We need to support Issue 21 for our schools.
— Ronald D. Geyer, Xenia
New schools a win-win
Editor:
I am voting for Issue 21 on Nov. 8 to help ensure we have a strong community. The schools will receive $28 million from the state to help defray local costs. They are building on a site that is centrally located for most of the district, and where many students will be able to walk to school. They are showing fiscal responsibility by sharing spaces where appropriate. They even are working with Realtors and developers to find a potential user of either the current buildings or their sites.
The school district is working closely with the city to ensure that potential uses of the building and/or site are compatible with existing neighborhoods. They are working on this now, despite the fact that even with the passage, the buildings will continue to house students until 2020. The board of education and staff want to achieve a win-win for the neighbors of the sites, the community as a whole, and the school district.
— Kraig Hagler, Xenia
New buildings mean new technology
Editor:
As a small, local manufacturer, finding qualified workforce is a key element to ensuring the long-term viability of our company. Our experience has been that the best employees are those who have had a firm educational foundation at the high school level. We regularly ask our employees to work with modern technology, and those who have a strong background excel.
It is important that our high school students not only have good classroom education but also exposure to the latest technology to ensure they can be quickly trained to meet the changing needs of manufacturing today. We are supporting Issue 21, the levy for Xenia Community Schools to build a new high school and middle school. The new buildings will help give students access to the latest technology and help us keep a strong and skilled workforce as we continue to grow our company.
— Rob Dalton, SAS Automation, Xenia
New schools make sense
Editor:
The Ohio School Facilities Commission did an assessment of Warner Middle School and Xenia High School and recommended both buildings be replaced because of the numerous building issues. The state estimated the cost of repairs and renovations would total more than two thirds the cost of building new schools with up-to-date technology. With the state offering to pay more than $28 million to help replace the buildings, it makes absolute sense to me to vote yes for Issue 21. What an opportunity. I am voting yes for Issue 21. Please join me.
— Dr. Todd McManus, Xenia
Issue 21 means safer schools
Editor:
I have lived in Xenia all my life. The thought of tornadoes are always a concern. An expert from the National Wind Institute in Lubbock, Texas said that the current high school would need some major upgrades to the doors and windows to meet current standards. The design team has stated that the new building would be designed to a higher tornado safety standard than the existing high school.
The architect and structural engineer said that the safe areas in the new building would be built to meet ICC 500 and FEMA P-361 regulations, which are the standards for building community shelters. In addition, the school will be enhanced to withstand a higher wind speed, include laminated exterior windows, and have the all exterior concrete block walls grouted solid, which is what was done at all five new elementary schools. I am glad the district is spending extra dollars to ensure the safety of our children. Join me and vote yes on Issue 21.
— Jane Newton, Xenia
Support new schools in Fairborn
Editor:
As a graduate of Fairborn City Schools, I support the bond issue (Issue 19) to build two new elementary schools in Fairborn. The education I received at Fairborn City Schools provided me with a strong educational foundation, which enabled me to realize my dream of becoming a physician. Not a day goes by that I’m not grateful for the incredible education and mentor hip provided to me as a young girl from Fairborn with big dreams.
I am grateful for my junior high math teacher, who prepared extra homework assignments for an eager student and who encouraged creativity within structure. I am grateful for the liberal arts teachers who helped my understand the philosophical thread of life. I am grateful to the science teachers who brought nature and science to life and who encouraged questions and inquisitiveness. I am also grateful to have learned the above in school buildings that were safe and with sound infrastructure.
Education is a pathway for our children’s future. This bond is an opportunity for us to invest in that pathway and to ensure that the education of our children is not blocked or impaired by school hallway flooding, mice infestation or exposed asbestos.
It is with the above in mind that I encourage and implore all parents, future parents, grandparents, extended family members and friends to vote in support of the bond issue (Issue 19) on Nov. 8
— Dr. Sara Doorley, Saratogo, Calif. – FHS Graduate
