Charlotte, NC

A few hours ago (this is written on Tuesday night), the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board approved a $516 million project list for a bond referendum this November. The list includes building twelve new schools: eight elementaries, two middle and two high schools.

Now, two-thirds of the package will be going for growth projects — including the building of the schools mentioned. This is probably going to be the biggest stick in the craw of voters (incidentally, the whole shebang’s still gotta be approved by the county commissioners before it’s put before us voters in November). Many folks who’ve gotten wind of this bond have already asked “Why do we need NEW schools? What’s wrong with the ones we have?”

The educators are already responding with “Quo erat demonstratum” (or, simply put, “D-UHHH!”) The Eagle — a longtime supporter of educational growth (also a former teacher himself) — agrees. Y’see, the QC is a place of constant growth; more people are moving to this area, and, with that, will come greater need for classroom space to accommodate the children (remember: they’re part of the “people” I just mentioned!).

Oh … the other third (welllll, all but about 1%)?? It’ll go to renovate the schools we already have. Now, in case you’re wondering if that’s gonna be enough, remember that it amounts to 163.9 million bucks — which is plenty!
(That other one percent goes to meeting state mandates [in other words, keeping it up to legal specs!].)

Now, if it’s approved by the commissioners, we’ve got about three months to think about it. But, while you’re doin’ that, mull over these three things, okay?:

• We’re a fast-growing city! The fact that we’ll need the extra classroom space and extra schools to meet that growth should be a GIANT boost to our Queen City pride!
• We’re still getting this at a bargain! See, the original pricetag was set at almost (g-gulp!) $100 million higher!
• Hey … it’s for the KIDS’ benefit, for cryin’ out loud! As my old history teacher at Sabre Central (for the uninitiated, South Meck class of ‘69), Mrs. Mays, used to say, “There are no “ifs”, “ands” or “buts” about it!” This one’s gonna do some serious GOOD!

Think about it — and (if it meets with the commission’s approval) vote YES! in November …