The Independent-News, Volume 119, Number 50, Walkerton, St. Joseph County, 28 April 1994 — Page 4

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— THE INDEPENDENT NEWS — APRIL 28, 1994

EDITORIALS |

EDITORIAL (continued from Page 1) avenues. Even the naming a a new board member to replace a resignation, found that unstoppable 3-3 split in voting. This was so evident, the naming of the new school board member was put into the hands of a St. Joseph County judge because the school board of two different “teams” could not, or should we say would not, agree. It was obvious in other votes cast as well. Just check the records. Another disturbing factor of the “team” concept is that in most cases one or two people do most of the talking and possibly the thinking for the “team”. Seven board members represent four townships, a lot of different people, a lot of different beliefs, too much for one team or the other to always be right. It is still a job for individuals. The only team we are concerned about is one team . . . that being a seven member team called The School Board. Four to three votes do not bother, neither do five to two, six to one or seven to zero if the board members are in their own hearts and minds are doing what is best and also listening to their constituents. After all, board members are elected by us to represent us. We just hope the public will get out and vote, but will do a little soul searching and study first. You are still voting for individuals, no one lever pulls three names. Working together is fine . . . fine if they are elected to serve as our school board. We hope they can and will work together in all phases of running the business end of the school corporation and make the decisions that treat everyone fairly, not just one particular group. Education is the untimate goal, but there are more ways than one to achieve that goal. Changes can be made that everyone can live with. We hope it comes true and soon in the John Glenn School Corporation.

VOICE OF THE PEOPLE (The Voice of the People articles are placed as they came into our office. We do not give preference to one over another in placing them when we have as many as this week. They are strictly the opinions of the writers, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of this newspaper. We have taken our privilege of editing slightly to protect our newspaper.) “Savo Urey, Save 14,104,628.00” Vote for Bob Schaeffer, Ben Smith and Dave Gensinger. They support the Urey proposal over the facility as supported by Mr. Knowlton and Mr. Miller. Many studies and proposals were presented to, and by, the board members and the superintendent of schools. These people have done their homework. They have arrived at a solution that guarantees a quality facility for a quality education. The Urey project will be resolved, for sure, if you vote the •‘fax and Spend” people Out! Vote tor Bob, Ben and Dave who not only believe in quality education but are also believers in fiscal responsibility. Remember, if you don’t vote, you can’t complain. Kelly Mann “School Dace” The School Board of 1990-92 nearly succeeded in their plans for an all new middle school facility. All were defeated, because of their position, with the exception of Nilas Miller and Gene Knowlton who are seeking re-election this year. The School Board members of 1990-92, including Mr. Miller and Mr. Knowlton, are good people who were simply pushing for what they believed in, but it is time for change for unity. The proposal as submitted by Mr. McKee and the majority of the School Board members, regarding the new Urey project will almost certainly go forward, but there is still a lot of work to be done. We need a real solid majority of school board members, who favor the Urey renovation proposal, to finalize this project. If we elect Bob Schaeffer, Ben Smith and Dave Gensinger, then the Board, along with the superintendent, will have a real united front when they go down state to face the ’'Little

Dictator” at the State Board of Education. Every vote is important and we don’t need any more contention. Bob Schaeffer has devoted himself to saving Urey. He has been a real leader of the Taxpayers for a Quality Education. He has been assisted by many, many people who include Ben Smith and Dave Gensinger. All three of these people are tough minded, resourceful people who will see that the architects DO NOT waste your tax dollars. These are quality people who will enhance all aspects of the John Glenn School Corporation. Lets get out and vote for them. Neil Downey “lt’a That Time Again” It’s that time again. It’s election time. Come you eligible voters, get in there and vote. You’re needed. Elect the following new faces: Ben Smith, Bob Schaeffer and David Gensinger. These boys have good judgement, and they are taxpaying citizens and they are not going to run wild and spend your hard earned money. It’s up to you taxpayers and voters. You won’t be sorry. A Polk Twp. Taxpayer Ed Dolph “Compromise Plan” In 1987, we moved to Walkerton because the John Glenn Schools are the finest in St. Joseph County. Since coming here, I’ve been working as a substitute teacher in all four schools. Not every voter and property owner has been able to observe day-to-day operations in our schools as closely as I have, and I would like them to consider this on election day: Housing the sixth grade students in the elementary buildings has badly strained the staff and student body. Overcrowding is a truly serious problem. It is hindering all the special programs, especially at Walkerton Elementary. Students are being tutored in closets, storage rooms and odd corners. Now a compromise plan on the divisive middle school project has been adopted. But the shape this plan takes worries me. It does not address the overcrowding problem. And it adds the cost of a new administration building and upgraded high school athletic facilities. Why? Can’t we solve the important problems, then later look at the luxuries? Must the administration have an all-new building while elementary

students are forced into makeshift classrooms? Have we grown so tired of the middle school feud that we have lost sight of our priorities? Maybe we need a referendum on the middle school project. That’s my suggestion. Kathleen A. Martin Who’s Paying The BIB” Up until four weeks ago I was under the impression that six individuals were running for three positions on the School Board. Then I started seeing “Paid Political Advertisments” in the local papers, flyers stuffed in newspapers, expensive yard signs and billboards appearing heavily throughout the area in support of a "political ticket” supporting Miller, Davis and Knowlton. The question needs to be asked who is financially supporting the campaign of the political ticket of Miller, Davis and Knowlton? And what do they have to gain by this group being elected to the John Glenn School Board? Last week for the first time I did see a paid political advertisement in support of Gensinger, Smith and Schaeffer in the Independent-News paid for by the John Glenn Taxpayers For Quality Education. But I still can’t help but wonder who is paying for the political campaign for Miller, Davis and Knowlton? The gold colored flyer that I received earlier this week in my Walkerton Shopper claimed that the ticket of Miller, Davis and Knowlton put children first. Well, I also believe that Mr. Gensinger, Mr. Smith and Mrs. Schaeffer also have the children’s best interest at heart while also keeping in mind the burden to the taxpayers and the current amount of wasteful spending. Election Day is May 3 and your vote is important. The issue of whether to build a new middle school or to build an addition to Urey will be decided by the new School Board. As it stands right now, the Urey decision by the current School Board to build onto Urey can be reversed by a new School Board. A Concerned Parent and Taxpayer “Attention John Glenn Patrons” The gold colored flyer enclosed in the Walkerton Shopper this week implies that the John Glenn School Board supports the election of Gene Knowlton, Diana Davis and Nilas Miller to the School Board. The John Glenn School Board has not endorsed these candidates for election. The School Board, as an entity of its own, does not nor should not, endorse any candidate(s) up for election. As an individual, the Board member is entitled to support whom ever he or she chooses. Shirley Anderson School Board Member “To The Patrons Os The John Glean School Corporation” There are two thoughts on education: (1) Those who believe that new school buildings and a new athletic field and fieldhouse are the makings of an education, and (2) Those who feel that education comes from inside. They also understand that there is only so much money to provide both, and feel that money spent on technology, teachers’ training and programs and supplies are where education comes from. Regarding building programs, ther are those who say cost is nothing and should not be a factor. This only makes a few people happy: the architectural firm, the construction company, and a few banks. They take the money out of town, which does nothing for our community. The people we elected two years ago put in much needed technology, and a work program for those who might not be going to college, while at the same time lowering tax rates. We had one of the highest tax rates in the state, but now are

about in the middle. We are already seeing results in our schools. Our school placed first in test scores, but let us not forget this is against Indiana scores. Indiana currently ranks 46th out of 50 states. There is a lot of room for improvement. With the assistance of Bob Scaheffer, Ben Smith and Dave Gensinger, I feel we will continue to improve. All have worked hard to do what is right for education, instead of the six gyms and new athletic field and fieldhouse the other candidates are worried about. This school corporation went from a $4 million dollar budget to a $9 million dollar budget in six short years with their programs, and no improvement in education. The election on May 3, 1994 is a very important one. Let’s elect Bob Schaeffer, Ben Smith and Dave Gen singer to our school board so our educational programs will continue to grow and improve, while at the same time being fiscally responsible to the patrons of our excellent school corporation. Dean Anderson “Urey bane” Over the past several weeks, much has been said in an attempt to both confuse and inform the public over this sensitive middle school issue. To clarify my position on the middle school issue, I feel it’s time to explain some of the facts and concerns surrounding this issue. I support the middle school renovation/addition proposal in concept because: 1. It is a SlO million saving to the school corporation and taxpayers. The new middle school proposal was estimated at $11.5 million, amortized over 20 years for a total cost of approximately $22 million. The renovation/addition proposal, as stated is estimated at $8.5 million, amortized over 20 years but scheduled tn pay off in 15 years for a total cost of sl2 million. A $lO million saving. Not to mention, that the present proposal also includes plans for an administration building and improvements to the athletic facilities. 2. Urey is a sound building and improvements with the renovation/additional it will provide all of the educational needs originally designed into the new school proposal of two years ago. This proposal also saves the school corporation and taxpayers an additional estimated $300,000 in demolition costs to dispose of Urey. A building with an appraisal value of approximately $3 million. 3. This proposal allows for an affordable tax rate that taxpayers in this corporation can support. 4. Lastly, it preserves a K-6 school program in North Liberty. It is prudent for economic development in North Liberty, that North Liberty suffer no additional losses of local educational facilities. The Walkerton Elementary overcrowding issue is another issue used in an attempt to block the Urey renovation/addition proposal. The Elementary school’s utilization level at 85% is high but well below the state's maximum of 95%. The perceived overcrowding problem can be addressed in a number of ways, but the restructuring of classroom sizes seems to be the place to begin. The teacher/student ratio at Walkerton Elementary is very low in comparison to other schools in the area. Increasing the teacher/students ratio to a more reasonable ratio would provide extra classroom space and still maintain a teacher/student ratio lower than most other area schools without negatively impacting our students. Financial prudence at this time will provide the school corporation and the communities stability and the potential for economic growth. One only has to look at the paper to see what is happening around the area with other school corporations. South Bend, Bremen and Union-North have all had staff reduction announcements in just the

past week. The question is, do we join the ranks of financially strapped school corporation or do we set an example of sound economic wisdom through fiscal responsibility? I vote for the latter. David Gensinger “Vote” Next Tuesday, May 3rd, is the most important day of our lives. It is election day. It is a day that many other countries and peoples would die to have. I get tired of hearing that, "it doesn’t matter whom we elect into office, that they all become crooks after they are in office”. Maybe we make them crooks and dishonest people because we want them to be such. Then we can blame all our problems and ills on their dishonesty. We don’t want to admit that maybe we are a little less than perfect ourselves. Last week I attended the candidates night at the John Glenn High, sponsored by the P.T.A. I was very upset, not with the candidates, but by the poor attendance. 1 believe that there were seven people there who had no connection with either the candidates of the school corporation. 1 know that I came away with a different selection of board members than I had previously held. I am sure that all of you would have benefited by this meeting. I have asked several people about the candidates and they seem to know nothing about them. What a shame! I attended the School Board meeting the next evening and listened to the plans for the renovation of Urey, and the added repairs to John Glenn High. I don't quite understand why these repairs have not been made before. I am also in favor of a different tax for the financing of the school corporation other than the property tax. Maybe a usage tax would be more equal to everyone. Anyway, take time to study and ask the candidates about their views on all the issues, not just the construction or not of a school. There are many more issues, such as the hiring of more qualified teachers, the methods of teaching, the basics of education. WhaJ is best for our students? Then vote! You don’t have to declare your political party to vote for the school board, only when you want to vote for the primary election of your party. Roy’s geese and turkeys, and Quackers girlfriends are all setting on their nests. Soon there will be little peepers all over the place. Spring is a very prolific time of year. New animal babies, tree buds, the growing of the garden and most of all, grass. It is also a prolific time for work. The card game is still going on at Al's on Tuesday noon. I have beaten Phil a few times. Come on out and have a good time. I leave you with one word — VOTE! Sincerely, Nedra Williams “Hmm Vote May 3rd” I’d like to appeal to each one of you taxpaying parents, grandparents, neighbors of children in our area to please get out and vote for our children to first and formost to enable them to have a "good education” by voting for new school board members, Dave Gensinger, Liberty Twp., Bob Schaeffer, Lincoln Twp., and Ben Smith, Polk Twp. This will give the board very good healthy working people. I believe it's time we have a school board that pulls together using our tax dollars in the right direction. Now leave us heal all the hurt feeling and get on with educating our most important resources, our children. Concerned Parent and Grandparent The smartest advice on rasing children is to enjoy them while they’re still on your side. The slot machine was invented by Charles Fey of San Francisco in 1895.