USD 257 board members later this month will consider whether to begin efforts to build a new elementary school.
It should be a no-brainer.
The district has three elementaries and all have inadequacies that beg attention, many that directly affect teachers’ abilities to educate children. Among deficiencies are classrooms too small and too few, antiquated climate controls — in some rooms kids have to don coats on extra cold days — and inability to deliver the multitude of opportunities that today’s technology provides.
Also, having all students in one building — i.e. what Chanute, Garnett and many other area schools already have — provides teachers with better opportunities to confer, plan and even team-teach, all helpful in delivering the education that young students need.
Elementary education is at the very core of a student’s chance at learning. If they don’t come away with the basics, particularly in reading and mathematics, they’re at very great risk of having to swim upstream the rest of their lives.
In the weeks and months ahead, the public will be given much information validating construction of a new elementary. Take advantage.
A new school will require a general obligation bond issue, which will be retired with property taxes.
Some folks undoubtedly will rail against “more taxes.” Kindly listen, and then point out that we can’t put a price tag on our most precious commodity, our children. They need and deserve the very best education we can give them.
If it means foregoing a night out once month at your favorite restaurant, rest assured that whatever replaces that fare at home will be just as nutritious.
Also avail yourself of opportunities that arise to learn what a new school will mean to the future of Iola and the area. A new hospital, which we soon will have, and schools up to date are infrastructure gems that draw business, industry and residents.
When it comes time to vote on a new school, march to the polls and mark the “yes” box.
New elementary school needed
