We need more classes, not more crowded ones

We need more classes,

not more crowded ones

We had the distinct privilege of

serving with other community members on the Fayette County Board of Education

Facilities Committee. Our task was to determine how best to meet the school

facility needs of our children in the near future. After numerous, lengthy

meetings where we reviewed everything from class levels to funding options

to physical requirements and costs, we are convinced of several things

that we would like to share with you:

1. First and foremost, there is an immediate and critical need for additional

facilities for our children. (This is not a surprise to many people in

Fayette County).

2. Class sizes should not be increased to make up for a shortage of classrooms

or for any other reason. Fayette County residents do not want that. The

governor has also mandated a reduction in class sizes. Overcrowding is

not an option.

3. The school board should redistrict as soon as possible to meet current

needs and to maximize use of current facilities. Before we ask taxpayers

to foot the bill for additional classrooms, we need to ensure we are getting

the most use out of the existing infrastructure. Not a popular option,

but a necessary one.

4. We support the bond issue because we believe we all need to keep our

focus on what is truly important - meeting the very critical education

needs of our children.

Since we spent so much volunteer time in deliberating this issue, we thought

it would be useful to share the results with our community.

Don Apking, Trina Berry, John DuFresne, Carol Fritz, Mike Hayes, Randy

Hayes, Rev. Ed Johnson, Bill Nigro, Jim Price and Pam Young