Letter to the Editor - Central Lee may put forth bond issue

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In Central Lee, we are fortunate to live in a community with truly exceptional public schools. In fact, we are known throughout our region for the exceptional academic and extracurricular opportunities our schools deliver to our students. As most in our community know very well, it means something special to attend and graduate from Central Lee.

However, we also know that we cannot afford to rest on our laurels. The Central Lee Community School District currently has a number of pressing facilities needs throughout its schools.

Specifically, we must continue to enhance security to ensure students and staff have access to safe and positive learning environments. We also must update our facilities to provide more relevant instruction that prepares students for the ever-evolving jobs and opportunities of the future. This means providing more flexible spaces that allow for project-based learning and collaboration.

In addition, the district has a need to update some areas to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations, as well as to expand fine arts, events and performance spaces. And, we aim to ensure our schools continue to provide opportunities for students to enter the skilled trades.

The school board is now at work examining these needs and developing potential solutions, which may include a bond question presented to the community in the coming months. While we are not yet certain how this will look, one thing is clear: we must act promptly to ensure our students continue to receive access to the same level of high-quality learning opportunities that have made Central Lee schools so great.

Over the past 12 months, we have received considerable feedback from the community in regards to the district’s master facility plan. The plan represents a comprehensive and aggressive move forward for Central Lee’s facilities and campus to better serve our students and community. This process has allowed us to determine which facility needs we should prioritize.

In addition, the board is sensitive to the needs of local property taxpayers and aims to find a solution that does not raise taxes. Our goal is to create a proposal that funds the projects we need to target with a net-zero tax impact.

We ask that you please stay tuned for more information and updates as we move forward. On behalf of the Central Lee School Board and the entire district, thank you for your ongoing support of our students and schools.

Mark Hulsebus is president of the Central Lee School Board.

Bond issue, Central Lee schools, improvements, lee county, Pen City Current

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