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E ditorial The upcoming school bond election is not just a proposal but an urgent call to action.
It represents more than a financial decision. Rather, it is a unique opportunity to invest in our schools, and by extension, the community. After all, the community’s success depends on the success of its young people.
Anyone that’s taken a recent tour of the school facilities knows our schools are in dire need of upgrades and renovations.
While the current ag building has served its purpose, it’s showing its age and is not conducive to student safety and supervision.
It’s time to upgrade to a modern facility that accommodates continued growth and expansion of the school’s Career Technical Education.
While agriculture classes and experiences have been the main focus of the current building, plans are being made to include art classes and house the two school-based businesses. Most importantly, a new space will allow the school district to pivot and address critical needs in the local workforce.
The Randolph Elementary is operating off its original boiler system and original single-pane windows.
Would you be comfortable if these were the conditions in your own home? Yet we expect our children to learn and be successful in that environment.
Currently, there’s not even enough electrical outlets to accommodate evolving technology needs. The upgrades at the elementary will save money in the long run with the facility operating more efficiently. Our elementary children will also be safer with the upgrades to a secure entrance, fire alarms and sprinklers, among other necessary improvements.
Speaking of heating and cooling, has anyone enjoyed taking in a volleyball game this fall at the high school gym with temperatures over 90 degrees outside? While air-conditioning may not be an absolute necessity, how many people would go without it in their own homes?
How do you think out-of-town visitors feel when they attend games at Randolph High School?
Our gym is large and unique but lacks this fundamental quality that dampens - quite literally - the game-day experience. Along with gym air conditioning, the bond also covers critical repairs to the building structure and roof at the high school Critics may argue about the cost of the bond. Unfortunately, these needs can’t simply be ignored and costs will only increase as time passes.
School board members should be applauded for the years of discussion and planning — doing their homework — to put forth a modest proposal of a $9.75 million bond that accomplishes so much.
By comparison, other communities putting forth bond issues on the general election range from Palmer at $13 million to McCook at $43 million. Randolph’s is the lowest. And only a few years ago, Laurel did a bond of nearly $25 million.
Taxpayers in the Randolph school district have also enjoyed historically low levies when compared with other schools. Calculators at randolphbuildstomorrow. org are available for taxpayers to estimate the impact the new school bond will have on their personal bottom line. Specifics on proposed facility improvements are also available at the website.
Randolph voters passed a bond issue in 1964 for a high school addition; and then 30 years later in 1994 for another addition. Now, another 30 years later, is this the right time to make additional necessary upgrades?
While weighing the pros and cons of the bond, don’t forget the ripple effect quality education has on our community.
Well-funded schools attract families and businesses, bolstering our local economy. By investing in education now, the groundwork is being laid for a prosperous future. Ensuring our children receive a high-quality education will yield dividends for years to come.
With that in mind, passing the school bond issue is not merely a choice on the ballot this year - it’s a responsibility. Let’s come together as a community to support our schools and invest in the leaders of tomorrow.
