Resident thanks those who support new school - Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor; This is a letter of gratitude to those whom have supported the past school bond referendums and a request for others to join them in supporting the current proposal. I am grateful for my elderly neighbor and others who, although on a fixed income, still supported the need for a new school. Additionally, a neighborhood couple, along with others, supported the bond, even though they don't have children. As the husband stated, "A new school is long overdue." I am thankful for Fred Bindenwald and others like him, who, after weighing all the facts, decided to vote for the bond. I may not always agree with his political views, but I appreciate his thoughtfulness and logic on this issue. I am grateful for the Catholic members of our community who put aside feelings of competitiveness and pressure from others, recognizing that all children deserve a modern and safe learning environment, and voted their support. Iowa is one of only a handful of states which requires a super majority to pass this type of bond. Otherwise, it would have passed on the second attempt. The majority of voters came close to success last time, even with the inclusion of the athletic fields, which seemed to be a sticking point for some voters. Hopefully, with the elimination of the fields, enough voters will add their support to pass the current referendum. A few years ago, in the midst of a financial crisis, the voters of Quincy, IL passed a bond issue to build not one, but five new elementary schools. Hopefully, we can come together as a forward-looking community, also, to build a school which will serve our children well into the future. I am urging all alumni of Jackson, Denmark, Lincoln, and Richardson Elementary Schools to show their support and vote for a much-needed new school. I encourage all relatives of former and current students to do the same. The children and teachers would be so grateful! I urge any voter with questions about the bond to visit the school district's website at fmcsd.org to see all the facts, including rationale, costs, and property tax impact for households (which is less than what many may believe).

Marcia Scruggs, Fort Madison