---

We, members of the Vote YES Committee, would like to offer clarification on a few of the concerns that have been brought to light through various emails, letters to the editor and private discussions in the past several weeks.

MYTH: The classrooms, hallways and building entrances are up to current standards.

FACT: When the current buildings were constructed, they were spacious enough in the state and federal standards of the time. The ADA standards were not addressed in the WPA era and neither were security issues. Technology and networking issues are now a major concern, where-as in the 60's and 70's they were but science fiction. Today's learners need breakout areas to use for discussions, group activities as well as learning and activity zones for the younger students. 21st century children need a 21st century education and facility.

MYTH: The new school will be a glorified Community Center.

FACT: The cafeteria/commons area would be used for many in-house and community based events. You, the taxpayers, will be able to use the school for special events, meetings, elections and public forums as well. We would have Community Areas, not a community center.

MYTH: Look at the government supplied menu....all that is needed is one large microwave.

FACT: School lunches have indeed changed with Federal mandate. However, a full kitchen with safe and efficient prep, cooking cleaning and storage facilities is much needed. The school has been offering healthier alternatives and would be able to increase those opportunities with more choices for healthy eating.

MYTH: The larger science room is being proposed at the same time a science teacher is being cut.

FACT: The half time reduction in a staff position for the 2015/2016 school year is just that, a staff reduction, not a science curriculum reduction. No science classes are being cut. The half time science teacher also held the half time position being cut, which was NOT in the science field.

MYTH: Members of the district staff not living within the district have been accused of "pulling the wool over taxpayers eyes."

FACT: In a perfect world, all teachers, administration, and support staff would live in the district, pay taxes in the district and spend their hard earned dollars at district businesses. However, in our society, many educators have been reduced to the second income in a two-income family. As for the "wool over their eyes," this volunteer committee, the Vote Yes Committee before us, the Citizen Advisory Committee before that, as well as administration & consultants have spent hours, weeks, months and even years compiling data from community, State and Federal mandates and the opinions of professional educators to develop a plan for securing the stability of ISD 118's future.

MYTH: A small district like ISD 118 can't afford to finance such a large amount or that our numbers don't warrant a quality school.

FACT: Yes, $25,000,000 is a lot of money, but this district is one of the most property rich districts in the state comparable to affluent metro areas. Education is expensive everywhere and it should be presented fairly to all children with no consideration for their parent's zip code. As for our small number of children receiving an education here: are children in any part of the state or country more deserving of a safe, quality education than another?

Again, we encourage you to attend an informational meeting in your area. ASK QUESTIONS, GET THE FACTS.



Sincerely, Vote YES Committee members[[In-content Ad]]

---