Welcome. This Blog was set up with the intent to hear the many voices and opinions of those in our fine community, surrounding communities and even other people around the world. My hope is that it will be a positive outlet for communicating the needs of our city and its citizens. Please take a moment to view the page and feel free to post your concerns and your ideas for helping our community be the best it can be.
Willard should build a new High School (Grades 7-12) and a new Elementary/Middle School (Grades PreK-6). Upgrading buidlings would be a waste of money in my opinion. You can remodel and upgrade all you want...In the end, you still have an old building.
Update - There will be a Community Meeting at the Willard High School Peforming Arts Center regarding School Facility Planning on Monday, February 18, 2008 at 6:30PM. It would be worth everyone's time and effort to attend this important update meeting to discuss the future of the Willard City School District.
I think that a new school is the best way to go. Who would want old school's that are just remodeled all the pluming and electrical problems will remain. A new school would raise property value and it would fill the empty rental unit’s in town with people who want their children to go to a nice school and receive a great education. It would centralize the teachers and maybe the school could cut positions due to attrition, busing would be better you would not have 3 busses drive past your house for the elementary runs.
This is certainly a challenging time in our school district's history. We have a chance to impact education positively for the next 40-50 years if we make decisions that are best for kids. It is exciting...to say the least.
I feel that a new building would be best for the Willard School District because the high school reminds me of a 50's building. Also having a school campus situation for the whole school would be great for those families that have several children in different grades that have to do a lot of running for their children to get to various events. In the long range aspect of a new school, I feel that the school district would save money on heating,and electricity, etc........
I like the idea of moving 7-8 to the high school that way teachers with more specialized degrees are teaching our children. For example, 8th grade math can be taught by someone certified 7-12, not K-8.
The February 18 meeting in the PAC at 6:30 p.m. should provide some new insight into the planning process. The assessments and OSFC input will really change the districts future plans. Plan to attend.
At minimum Willard needs to build a new high school. The 1925 portion of the building has served this community well but is obsolete for current needs. Wider hallways and stairwells are badly needed for improved traffic flow and safety reasons. The heating system is inefficient and very irregular. The Willard Middle School and Central are still functional and with the current economic status, it may be a stretch to expect people to vote their dollars to build replacements for those structures. I do not have a strong opinion as to reconfiguration. While larger buildings may seem to be more economical, educational research indicates that smaller schools serve as more effective learning environments.
I would like to see new schools in Willard. The present buildings are run down and too many updates are needed. A 2 building project of preK-6 and an 8-12 would be sufficient. However, the 8-12 building MUST keep 7&8th grades away from the 9-12. This means building the school with two opposite wings. In my opinion having 7&8 grades walk the halls w/ High schoolers could be a mistake. Too many peer pressures for those in 7&8th grade.
To those without a vision, You might save a dime by remodeling a building that has outlived its time. For children to be their best, they need a place to grow, safely full of imagination, inspiring the desire to know. Take advantage of this opportunity to recognize that it's through education, that we can lift up this community, and strengthen it's foundation.
I think the idea of building new school buildings is a great idea. Who doesn't want to work in a new environment! One question is can our community afford this expence at this time? Is property tax the only way to do this project? This community tried to build a rec center about 10 years or so ago and that was defeated because it was stated that we could not afford it, and those were much better times economicaly speaking. We should go into this with our eyes open to all the facts.
I am certain that the facilities committee and other local authorities are already discussing the possibility of joint-use facilities. In my opinion, a town of this size should include facilities that will not only be used by our students, but by all members of the community. I realize that the Middle School has a walking schedule for community members throughout the winter and the schools have opened their doors to team with North Central State College to provide distance learning courses for those who are interested in taking college classes. The Willard City Schools allow the Red Cross to setup shop for Bloodmobile, as well as allow the facilities for several other community functions. It’s not just the students’ school, the teachers’ school or the administrators’ school. It is our communities’ school. As a community, can we think even bigger? An indoor pool for the swim team and community (during evening hours), an indoor track above a gymnasium, a performing arts center that can also be used by the community as a movie theater, etc.
I know what you’re thinking…This would cost too much. Here’s my question… How long will the Willard City Schools be a part of the city of Willard? Answer…As long as the city of Willard exists. My family and I live in the school district. I realize I would be paying for these services, but I would rather pay for these services in my hometown than drive 35 minutes and pay for them someplace else. There are several opinions about what we should do. We don’t know yet which direction we are going, but now is the time to discuss our options and decide what is best for the entire community. I want to be part of a community whose people look to the future and Think Big! I want to be a part of a community whose people think of giving their children and themselves the best.
Check out this site for more info on joint-use facilities: http://www.nsbn.org/case/jointuse/
Willard has been suffering economically since the defeat of the rec center proposal. Hundreds of Willard residents travel to Shelby, Tiffin, and Norwalk for health and fitness.
Ten years ago, thanks to short-sighted so-called community leaders, Willard lost a great opportunity for prosperity that we now ship to neighboring towns.
Let's not miss another opportunity that is being handed to us.
What kind of fund raising events can we do as a community? What about establishing a Willard Foundation to build up funds for community endeavors such as this. We need to look beyond just property taxes. I see the concept of thinking big which is great. How can we be creative in obtaining funding besides taxation?
I feel that new schools are by far the way to go. I think we need to look at 3 school, a pk-2 on a new site , a 3-6 at the MS sited, and a 7-12 at the HS site . This will help to keep the younger children separate from the older students which is important. Remodeling the MS and HS will not save us in the long run with all of the new green guidelines that districts are asked to comply with. We need new buildings!
It is always easy to spend other people's money and the thought of "free money" is a classic come on used by people who want to spend other people's money. There is no such thing and we will all be paying for this project for many years. Most of the districts that have new buildings cannot find the funding to operate them. The current economic status in this state and country is lousy and bankruptcy and foreclosure is all over the place. The dollar is falling and our economy is going down the tubes and yet, the school board wants to spend another 2-30 million dollars? One last thought. When your house needs new shingles, do you tear down the house and rebuild it or do you make do with what you have, replace the old shingles and not worry about what other schools around here have?
Let me pose a question...If your house needs new shingles, new siding, new insulation, etc. and someone stepped in and said that he/she would be willing to pitch in half for a brand new home, would you turn down this one-time opportunity?
Every visitor to Willard is aware of the what happens when old homes, no longer suitable for the original, are repeatedly patched and rented to someone else. Is that what our children deserve?
The value of a new school and a decent recreation center far outweighs the cost. What happens in ten years when patching the dike will no longer prevents collapse? By then the state tax money, meant for us, will have been spent by another progressive district and serve as a catalyst to their economy.
Somebody tell me how Willard will benefit economocally from new buildings? Did Plymouth suddenly grow into an economic metropolis Did Attica? Not quite. They had to pass additional levies just to keep the doors open. A catalyst for our economy? Get real. The industries we have in this town are not attracting highly educated people and never will. They could just as easily be farmed out to Mexico or China by the parent companies with no regard to how many millions of dollars are owed for new buildings that cannot be paid for.
The median income for this town is somewhere around $ 20,000 a year. The average citizen here is not going to support more property taxes when they can't afford what they have now. Maybe the upper elite class of people who seem to be pushing this can cough up more of the cost. I agree with the last post that economic growth from building new schools is a real grasp at straws to justify their cause.
Is it just keeping up with the Jones' if we want OUR children to have the same educational opportunities as the students in those other districts? Don't we want OUR children to have all the advantages that others are getting? If our children are freezing in the winter and sweating in sweltering buildings in the spring and fall, can they do their best work? If the roof is leaking and wind is whistling in old, outdated windows, are our children in the best educational environment? If our students' perception of their surroundings isn't a positive one, can they thrive? NEW buildings would give OUR kids the best chance to make the most of their abilities in a safe, comfortable and welcoming education-friendly environment. KIDS FIRST!!!
Wall Street Examiner today's edition: (1) deliquent auto loans are up 44% from last year and are at a 10 year high. (2) auto repos are up 10% (3) heating oil and propane have doubled in price (4) the financial giant FGIC just was downgraded from a AAA rate to "junk" bond status. With all of the other economic indicators all showing the same basic trends, does it make sense to ask tax payers to fund a 20-30 million dollar project at this time?
I wondered when We would see the Kid's first slogan. Financial responsibility is what kids need. If we build more than we can afford then we may not have the teachers and programs we need to teach and train the students.
Yes we should fix what needs to be fixed and upgrade what is needed.
Why can't we have a long term plan? Why is it just now that we are talking about this instead of 2 or 3 years ago meeting to prepare for this now.
What about Willard's last operating levy and how hard that was to pass. Will we be able to operate the new buildings? The last I heard a few years ago was that we would only be in good condition for about 5 years and then we would need another operating levy. Well those 5 years are almost up.
Does that mean we need to pay for 3 new buildings and a operating levy as well.
Great Comments! To be responsible and economical at the same time, we must know what our community is willing to support. It seems to me that the time has come for all of us to take this responsibility serious. New schools are definitely needed at this time. The longer we wait, the more serious the situation. Planning, planning, planning...that is the key. Great comments! Keep them coming
WASHINGTON — With the credit markets once again deteriorating, the nation’s two top economic policy makers acknowledged Thursday that the outlook for the economy had worsened, as both came under criticism for being overtaken by events and failing to act boldly enough. In testimony to Congress, Ben S. Bernanke, the chairman of the Federal Reserve, signaled that the Fed was ready to reduce interest rates yet again, pointing out that problems in housing and mortgage-related markets had spread more widely and proved more intractable than he predicted three months ago.
His sobering assessment was echoed by Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson Jr., who appeared with him. Both continued to avoid predicting a recession but said they were scaling back the more optimistic forecasts they had issued in November.
Ethan S. Harris, chief United States economist for Lehman Brothers, said that both policy makers had “come clean” about the economy’s problems but that investors were not impressed.
Stock prices, which normally rally when the Fed hints it will lower borrowing costs, tumbled instead. The Dow Jones industrial average dropped 175 points, or 1.4 percent; broader stock indexes dropped by similar amounts.
Anxiety is escalating among institutional lenders and major borrowers, as the panic over soaring default rates on subprime mortgages that began last summer continues to spread, freezing up credit for municipalities, hospitals, student loans and even investment funds holding the most conservative bonds.
On Capitol Hill, the economic policy makers found themselves in the line of fire. Senator Robert Menendez, Democrat of New Jersey, accused both Mr. Bernanke and Mr. Paulson of having “hit the snooze button.”
Senator Christopher J. Dodd of Connecticut, chairman of the Banking Committee, told reporters after the hearing that “it just seems as if they aren’t as concerned about the magnitude of the problem.”
Testifying before the committee, Mr. Bernanke said he still expected the economy to grow at a “sluggish” pace over the next few months and to pick up speed later in the year. But he said “the downside risks to growth have increased,” noting that spiraling losses in home mortgages have dragged down the credit markets and shaken the broader economy.
While trying to be optimistic, Mr. Paulson said that the administration’s forecast “would be less, but I do believe we’ll keep growing.”
Many Wall Street economic forecasters, however, are already estimating that the risks of a recession are at least 50-50, and a growing number of analysts contend that an economic contraction may have already begun.
Fed policy makers will release their newest forecasts on Wednesday, and Mr. Bernanke said they would be more in line with those of private-sector economists.
The Fed has reduced its benchmark interest rate, called the federal funds rate, five times since September, including two cuts within eight days last month. The rate has fallen to 3 percent; as recently as late summer of last year it was 5.25 percent.
Mr. Bernanke assured lawmakers that the Fed would “provide adequate insurance” against a downturn in the form of cheaper money.
But neither investors nor politicians have responded particularly favorably to Washington’s moves. Yields on asset-backed securities that hold mortgages and other debt have risen to levels almost as high as they were last August, when financial markets first seized up in response to soaring default rates on subprime mortgages.
The Fed’s rate cuts have led to a more modest decline in mortgage rates for borrowers with good credit, but they have done little to ease the broader credit squeeze.
Mr. Bernanke agreed that banks and other lenders have been pulling back, both because of increased aversion to risk and because they have been forced to book huge losses from soured loans and to repurchase troubled mortgages and loans they had sold to investors.
The unexpected losses and growing pressures, he continued, have prompted banks to become more restrictive in their lending and more “protective of their liquidity.”
Mr. Bernanke said the economy would grow slowly but pick up speed later in response to both the Fed’s lower interest rates and the $168 billion economic stimulus package that President Bush signed Wednesday.
“At present, my baseline outlook involves a period of sluggish growth, followed by a somewhat stronger pace of growth starting later this year,” he told lawmakers. But in cautioning that his outlook could turn out to be wrong, the Fed chairman left the door open to additional rate reductions.
We nee to be VERY Careful Willard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just did my federal taxes and owe an additional $ 1300 on top of the over $8,000 I already paid. You really think I will vote for to pay even more taxes? Get Real !!
Fixing what needs fixing and updating what needs updating is going to cost almost as much as NEW buildings. Compare the costs and you'll see that New is the way to go! What's wrong with KIDS FIRST? Is that all you saw in the posted comment? Aren't they what this is all about?
I don't think a new building(s) will give us an educational advantage or our students. I do think caring parents that are working with their kids at home along with the teachers and administrators will give us the advantage. I think Kid's First is a catch phrase that means very little, like read my lips No New Taxes. If we were really into kid's first we would not have eliminated the pre-first program, cut the elementary music program in half and let go of several teacher's aids. Education is about adults teaching kids. Passing on knowledge, igniting the spark of learning. Buildings are not the determining factor.
What an opportunity for our schools. It is about time the state gave back to the students in our district. We would be foolish not to respond positively.
Building alone...certainly don't make all the difference. Education is a combined effort of many ingredients. Of course parents are extremely important. Having students in a safe environment is also important. Kids First, I believe is a motto that attempts to demonstrate that education is about the students... It's amazing that we look at possible state monies to create a state of the art school system and we come up with many excuses why it won't work. Finances are always going to be a concern in any organization...
I understand people pay alot in taxes. I pay taxes too. I live in this district and would have to pay more for new schools. I'm willing to do that. The Federal government taxes me and I don't have a say in where my money goes. The State government taxes me and I don't have a say in where the money is spent. These tax dollars are actually something I can say "YES," I want my money to go to the kids of our community. I can say "YES," I want to spend my tax dollars on the future of Willard, Ohio. At least I have a say in what some of my tax dollars go for. Not a war in Iraq, not to some big corporation for useless research, but to my kids and my neighbors kids for a better education. I can afford that!
Lets just say the voters of Willard turn down this free money.Are our schools in such bad shape that the state will shut us down?I'm sure there are schools that are in worse shape than ours and wonder when can the state step in.Can we be forced to build a new school if Willard schools are un livable?What about schools in districts that absolutely can't afford to build new.Will the students be left behind?
As we reflect on our school district and the relative age of the buildings (and, yes, they are in pretty good shape)there reaches a point of what is "good enough"? Why would the Ohio School Facilities support new versus renovation? Why would new health regulations (Jarod's Law) be of concern? There is a building program some time in the near future for the Willard City Schools... Will it be with help from the State (59% of the cost covered) or will the district have to bear the burden alone? It is time for our community to decide... alone or with the state help???
I don't like how it's been shoved at us instead of having an open public form on this. Only a select group has been in on the plans.
I don't think the community is ready for this.
With the buildings that have been designated you are still going to have traveling teachers and special teachers.
It would make sense to have a PreK-4 grouping and a 5-8. If you are really going to promote not having overlap in services with current traveling teachers.
I don't think the group tried to present a comprehensive plan...but attempted to display grade configurations that makes sense according to guidelines established by the OSFC. Traveling teachers would be held to a minimum if there were two or three buildings versus six...That is my take on the meeting.
Question: Who is shoving a plan? I thought the committee was getting input from the community. I don't think that any plan has been selected? Contact someone on the Building Advisory Committee...I saw the names listed on the brochure... I guess two community meetings aren't enough to get input... speak up...with your concerns. March 31st is the next meeting...I think at 6:30 p.m.
I've notice some rather pointed comments on the blog... The Building Advisory Committee welcomes your opinions... We have been gathering questions and concerns for several months and have looked at the experiences of other districts. The reason we are coming to the community is because according to the OSFC, our turn is now. We have to decide to "participate" or receive no funds. If we are unable to pass a levy (direct community input) within a year... we lose our opportunity to participate in the program. The window is narrow for our district. Certainly the community does and will decide the direction the district goes. I wouldn't have it any other way. There will be many opportunities for specific input in the planning process. Be sure to call and give your name so we can add you to the list. Thank you for caring for our schools.
So what happens if this does not pass? How many times can it be put on the ballot? What if it never passes? Will Willard City Schools be put at the bottom of the list and wait for another turn?
Once the Board of Education determines a Master Plan and commits to the OSFC participation, the district has one year to pass a levy to finance the local share. If the district fails to pass a levy in one year... there are no guarantees that funding will be available for the district to participate. If there are funds available...the district might be able to try again to secure a portion of those funds. Needless-to-say, once the clock start ticking...it is important to pass that levy.
Has the city indicated any desire to acquire the current middle school if the levy were to pass? While the facility is certainly not a perfect match for their desires, it could meet many of the recreational needs of the community and perhaps serve groups like the senior citizens well. Walking routes, courts, a large cafetria and some flexible space at that location would be a major upgrade from what is currently available in Willard. This is a pertinent topic because despite the state assessment of the building, the community perceives the current middle school as a valuable facility. The levy gains some additional creedence if the community can find benefit from how that building is utilized.
If a 1 ml levy would generate 3.3 million over 28 years, would the bond levy ask for 6 ml to generate the needed l8 million for the least expensive option?
In reference to: "I just did my federal taxes and owe an additional $ 1300 on top of the over $8,000 I already paid. You really think I will vote for to pay even more taxes? Get Real !!"
I wish that I made enough money to pay $9300 in federal income tax. You tripled mine! You must have enough to share.
I would like to see some kind of pool for the high school swim team. My son will be there in 2 yrs and is definately going out for swimming. Where do they practice at now? Out of town at other places. Traveling in this kind of weather, I know its worry's parents.
The needs of the high school swim team certainly should be taken into consideration with any building plan. Now is the time for Willard to look to the future and consider offering more choices to our students and community for recreation. A swimming pool would provide much needed recreation for citizens of all ages. It would be great to see the city and schools come together on this one.
How did those poor people get by in the 'oldin days' without a brand new bulding.
This is the 8th grade final exam from 1895 from Selina, KS (I think special attention is do to Arithmetic problem #4)
GRAMMAR (Time one hour) 1. Give nine rules for the use of Capital Letters. 2. Name the Parts of Speech and define those that have no modifications. 3. Define Verse, Stanza and Paragraph. 4. What are the Principal Parts of a verb? 5. Give Principal Parts of do, lie, lay, and run. 6. Define Case, Illustrate each Case. 7. What is Punctuation? 8. Give rules for principal marks of Punctuation. 9. Write a composition of about 150 words and show therein that you understand the practical use of the rules of grammar.
ARITHMETIC (Time 1.25 hours) 1. Name and define the Fundamental Rules of Arithmetic. 2. A wagon box is 2ft. deep, 10ft. long, and 3ft. wide. How many bushels of wheat will it hold? 3. If a load of wheat weighs 3942 lbs., what is it worth at 50 cts. per bu., deducting 1050 lbs. for tare? 4. District No. 33 has a valuation of $35,000. What is the necessary levy to carry on a school seven months at $50 per month, and have $104 for incidentals? 5. Find cost of 6720 lbs. coal at $6.00 per ton. 6. Find the interest of $512.60 for 8 months and 18 days at 7 percent. What is the cost of 40 boards 12 inches wide and 16 ft. long at $20 per m? 8. Find bank discount on $300 for 90 days (no grace) at 10 percent. 9. What is the cost of a square farm at $15 per acre, the distance around which is 640 rods? 10. Write a Bank Check, a Promissory Note, and a Receipt.
U.S. HISTORY (Time 45 minutes) 1. Give the epochs into which U.S. History is divided. 2. Give an account of the discovery of America by Columbus. 3. Relate the causes and results of the Revolutionary War. 4. Show the territorial growth of the United States. 5. Tell what you can of the history of Kansas. 6. Describe three of the most prominent battles of the Rebellion. 7. Who were the following: Morse, Whitney, Fulton, Bell, Lincoln, Penn, and Howe? 8. Name events connected with the following dates: 1607, 1620, 1800, 1849, 1865.
ORTHOGRAPHY (Time one hour) 1. What is meant by the following: Alphabet, phonetic, orthography, etymology, syllabication? 2. What are elementary sounds? How classified? 3. What are the following, and give examples of each: Trigaph, subvocals, diphthong, cognate letters, linguals? 4. Give four substitutes for caret 'u'. 5. give two rules for spelling words with final 'e'. Name two exceptions under each rule. 6. Give two uses of silent letters in spelling. Illustrate each. 7. Define the following prefixes and use in connection with word: Bi, dis, mis, pre, semi, post, non, inter, mono, super. 8. Mark diacritically and divide into syllables the following, and name the sign that indicates the sound: Card, ball, mercy, sir, odd, cell, rise, blood, fare, last. 9. Use the following correctly in sentences, Cite, site, sight, fane, feign, vane, vain, vein, raze, raise, rays. 10. Write 10 words frequently mispronounced and indicate pronunciation by use of diacritcal marks and by syllabication.
GEOGRAPHY (Time one hour) 1. What is climate? Upon what does climate depend? 2.How do you account for the extremes of climate in Kansas? 3. Of what use are rivers? Of what use is the ocean? 4. Describe the mountains of North America. 5. Name and describe the following: Monrovia, Odessa, Denver, Manitoba, Hecla, Yukon, St. Helena, Juan Fermandez, Aspinwall and Orinoco. 6. Name and locate the principal trade centers of the U.S. 7. Name all the republics of Europe and give capital of each. 8. Why is the Atlantic Coast colder than the Pacific in the same latitude? 9. Describe the process by which the water of the ocean returns to the sources of rivers. 10. Describe the movements of the earth. Give inclination of the earth.
Buildings do not teach or prepare our students for their future, Teachers and Parents working together do. Let's take the $21.5 million and start a College fund for all the Students that graduate from WHS.
Does anyone know are the loans paid off on the last building project that our school system did in the mid 90's?.... 1994 I believe. Will we be paying on these loans and how long on top of all of the new loans???
A concern is that of students who have to walk to school, and to after school activities. It is vital that the new building(s) be in town so that these students are still able to participate in extra-curricular activities, or attend football games, choir concerts, etc. I also strongly believe in building a new PAC, or leave the current one if the new high school is going to be built on the same site. The PAC is used for so many things; concerts, theatre, assemblies, award ceremonies, and much more. Without a PAC, many activities would not have a home.
I am disabled, no way to make additional money. My wife is laid off and her insurance expires soon. The company increased the cost of the insurance in June. We pay 3 times more none. The company took the next raise for a year. Prescriptions are up 500%. Gasoline is up 150%. Food is getting hard to buy because of price increases. Business, Doctors, professionals can raise prices, what can blue collar workers do besides suffer. We can not afford new schools for the school administration to sit in and admire. We have always had permenant improvement levies. Was the money squandered or what? We cannot afford new schools in this economy. Having said this I am encouraging all voters to vote against this new levy. Enough is enough! Let the rich and business pay for any new schools I want to continue to live in a house and eat.
As great as a new building(s) would be, who doesn't like or want something new, I don't think it would be prudent at this point to go forward with this large of a building plan for this community. Times are tough and an extra $400+ a year in property taxes is asking a lot and let's face it we will be asked for another operating levy as well! I also believe the district has some unpaid building loans from the last building project in the 90's.
Don't we want what is best for our children? I am not saying that we have to have brand new schools but we do need some remodeling to get our schools up to the scale of that of other districts. I want my children to have the same opportunities as other children in other districts with new technology, equipment, etc.
This time in history is the worst for wanting additional moneys. If we build the schools, than we would need additional levies for operating capital. The economy is very bad. Food, gas, rent, heating/cooling , health care, any products that depend on gas or desiel to ship. I am hanging on by the skin of my teeth as are so many in this school district. I have yet to talk to one person that will support this. Must be all the well off people in this district are the ones that want new schools.
I think Willard schools are just fine the way they are, if the school wants to build new ones, then they need to cut back on sports and other crap to save money so they can build. Why should we the ones have NO KIDS in school have to pay!!??
Willard dont need any new schools! But if they want one they need to cut out all the sports and save up the money from that, make the kids pay to play, and not make people who dont have kids in school pay the extra taxes! I went to Willard school system it was good enough for us its good enough for the kids now!
It's a good idea to update our school buildings....Just a very bad time to go into that much debt as a community. Let's wait for a better time. I would not have wanted to build buildings in 1929 or in 2009.
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64 comments:
Willard should build a new High School (Grades 7-12) and a new Elementary/Middle School (Grades PreK-6). Upgrading buidlings would be a waste of money in my opinion. You can remodel and upgrade all you want...In the end, you still have an old building.
Update - There will be a Community Meeting at the Willard High School Peforming Arts Center regarding School Facility Planning on Monday, February 18, 2008 at 6:30PM. It would be worth everyone's time and effort to attend this important update meeting to discuss the future of the Willard City School District.
I think that a new school is the best way to go. Who would want old school's that are just remodeled all the pluming and electrical problems will remain. A new school would raise property value and it would fill the empty rental unit’s in town with people who want their children to go to a nice school and receive a great education. It would centralize the teachers and maybe the school could cut positions due to attrition, busing would be better you would not have 3 busses drive past your house for the elementary runs.
WOW this is a great idea!!!!!
This is certainly a challenging time in our school district's history. We have a chance to impact education positively for the next 40-50 years if we make decisions that are best for kids. It is exciting...to say the least.
2-11-08
I feel that a new building would be best for the Willard School District because the high school reminds me of a 50's building. Also having a school campus situation for the whole school would be great for those families that have several children in different grades that have to do a lot of running for their children to get to various events. In the long range aspect of a new school, I feel that the school district would save money on heating,and electricity, etc........
I like the idea of moving 7-8 to the high school that way teachers with more specialized degrees are teaching our children. For example, 8th grade math can be taught by someone certified 7-12, not K-8.
The February 18 meeting in the PAC at 6:30 p.m. should provide some new insight into the planning process. The assessments and OSFC input will really change the districts future plans. Plan to attend.
At minimum Willard needs to build a new high school. The 1925 portion of the building has served this community well but is obsolete for current needs. Wider hallways and stairwells are badly needed for improved traffic flow and safety reasons. The heating system is inefficient and very irregular. The Willard Middle School and Central are still functional and with the current economic status, it may be a stretch to expect people to vote their dollars to build replacements for those structures. I do not have a strong opinion as to reconfiguration. While larger buildings may seem to be more economical, educational research indicates that smaller schools serve as more effective learning environments.
I would like to see new schools in Willard. The present buildings are run down and too many updates are needed.
A 2 building project of preK-6 and an 8-12 would be sufficient. However, the 8-12 building MUST keep 7&8th grades away from the 9-12. This means building the school with two opposite wings. In my opinion having 7&8 grades walk the halls w/ High schoolers could be a mistake. Too many peer pressures for those in 7&8th grade.
In twenty years it will be easier to explain why Willard built all new facilities than explain the lack of wisdom and foresight.
To those without a vision,
You might save a dime
by remodeling a building
that has outlived its time.
For children to be their best,
they need a place to grow,
safely full of imagination,
inspiring the desire to know.
Take advantage of this opportunity
to recognize that it's through education,
that we can lift up this community,
and strengthen it's foundation.
Well said on both anonymous posts directly above this one.
I think the idea of building new school buildings is a great idea. Who doesn't want to work in a new environment! One question is can our community afford this expence at this time? Is property tax the only way to do this project? This community tried to build a rec center about 10 years or so ago and that was defeated because it was stated that we could not afford it, and those were much better times economicaly speaking.
We should go into this with our eyes open to all the facts.
Are the loans paid off on the last building project that our school system did in the mid 90's?
I am certain that the facilities committee and other local authorities are already discussing the possibility of joint-use facilities. In my opinion, a town of this size should include facilities that will not only be used by our students, but by all members of the community. I realize that the Middle School has a walking schedule for community members throughout the winter and the schools have opened their doors to team with North Central State College to provide distance learning courses for those who are interested in taking college classes. The Willard City Schools allow the Red Cross to setup shop for Bloodmobile, as well as allow the facilities for several other community functions. It’s not just the students’ school, the teachers’ school or the administrators’ school. It is our communities’ school. As a community, can we think even bigger? An indoor pool for the swim team and community (during evening hours), an indoor track above a gymnasium, a performing arts center that can also be used by the community as a movie theater, etc.
I know what you’re thinking…This would cost too much. Here’s my question… How long will the Willard City Schools be a part of the city of Willard? Answer…As long as the city of Willard exists. My family and I live in the school district. I realize I would be paying for these services, but I would rather pay for these services in my hometown than drive 35 minutes and pay for them someplace else. There are several opinions about what we should do. We don’t know yet which direction we are going, but now is the time to discuss our options and decide what is best for the entire community. I want to be part of a community whose people look to the future and Think Big! I want to be a part of a community whose people think of giving their children and themselves the best.
Check out this site for more info on joint-use facilities:
http://www.nsbn.org/case/jointuse/
Willard has been suffering economically since the defeat of the rec center proposal. Hundreds of Willard residents travel to Shelby, Tiffin, and Norwalk for health and fitness.
Ten years ago, thanks to short-sighted so-called community leaders, Willard lost a great opportunity for prosperity that we now ship to neighboring towns.
Let's not miss another opportunity that is being handed to us.
What kind of fund raising events can we do as a community? What about establishing a Willard Foundation to build up funds for community endeavors such as this. We need to look beyond just property taxes. I see the concept of thinking big which is great. How can we be creative in obtaining funding besides taxation?
I feel that new schools are by far the way to go. I think we need to look at 3 school, a pk-2 on a new site , a 3-6 at the MS sited, and a 7-12 at the HS site . This will help to keep the younger children separate from the older students which is important. Remodeling the MS and HS will not save us in the long run with all of the new green guidelines that districts are asked to comply with. We need new buildings!
It is always easy to spend other people's money and the thought of "free money" is a classic come on used by people who want to spend other people's money. There is no such thing and we will all be paying for this project for many years. Most of the districts that have new buildings cannot find the funding to operate them.
The current economic status in this state and country is lousy and
bankruptcy and foreclosure is all over the place. The dollar is falling and our economy is going down the tubes and yet, the school board wants to spend another 2-30 million dollars?
One last thought. When your house needs new shingles, do you tear down the house and rebuild it or do you make do with what you have, replace the old shingles and not worry about what other schools around here have?
This house needs a bit more than new shingles...
Let me pose a question...If your house needs new shingles, new siding, new insulation, etc. and someone stepped in and said that he/she would be willing to pitch in half for a brand new home, would you turn down this one-time opportunity?
Every visitor to Willard is aware of the what happens when old homes, no longer suitable for the original, are repeatedly patched and rented to someone else. Is that what our children deserve?
The value of a new school and a decent recreation center far outweighs the cost. What happens in ten years when patching the dike will no longer prevents collapse? By then the state tax money, meant for us, will have been spent by another progressive district and serve as a catalyst to their economy.
Somebody tell me how Willard will benefit economocally from new buildings? Did Plymouth suddenly grow into an economic metropolis Did Attica? Not quite. They had to pass additional levies just to keep the doors open. A catalyst for our economy? Get real. The industries we have in this town are not attracting highly educated people and never will. They could just as easily be farmed out to Mexico or China by the parent companies with no regard to how many millions of dollars are owed for new buildings that cannot be paid for.
The median income for this town is somewhere around $ 20,000 a year. The average citizen here is not going to support more property taxes when they can't afford what they have now. Maybe the upper elite class of people who seem to be pushing this can cough up more of the cost. I agree with the last post that economic growth from building new schools is a real grasp at straws to justify their cause.
Everyone loves the idea of new. And I hope this is not a case of trying to keep up with the Jones' or in this case Plymouth, Attica, or Norwalk.
How are we as a community going to afford this huge building program. There is no "Free Money"
Is there a business or private donor that is going to underwrite this program 5 million dollars?
If you don't have the money or the land you don't start the project.
We can't take care of the streets in Willard, how are we going to build 3 new buildings?
Is it just keeping up with the Jones' if we want OUR children to have the same educational opportunities as the students in those other districts? Don't we want OUR children to have all the advantages that others are getting? If our children are freezing in the winter and sweating in sweltering buildings in the spring and fall, can they do their best work? If the roof is leaking and wind is whistling in old, outdated windows, are our children in the best educational environment? If our students' perception of their surroundings isn't a positive one, can they thrive? NEW buildings would give OUR kids the best chance to make the most of their abilities in a safe, comfortable and welcoming education-friendly environment. KIDS FIRST!!!
Wall Street Examiner today's edition: (1) deliquent auto loans are up 44% from last year and are at a 10 year high. (2) auto repos are up 10% (3) heating oil and propane have doubled in price (4) the financial giant FGIC just was downgraded from a AAA rate to "junk" bond status. With all of the other economic indicators all showing the same basic trends, does it make sense to ask tax payers to fund a 20-30 million dollar project at this time?
I wondered when We would see the Kid's first slogan.
Financial responsibility is what kids need. If we build more than we can afford then we may not have the teachers and programs we need to teach and train the students.
Yes we should fix what needs to be fixed and upgrade what is needed.
Why can't we have a long term plan? Why is it just now that we are talking about this instead of 2 or 3 years ago meeting to prepare for this now.
What about Willard's last operating levy and how hard that was to pass. Will we be able to operate the new buildings?
The last I heard a few years ago was that we would only be in good condition for about 5 years and then we would need another operating levy. Well those 5 years are almost up.
Does that mean we need to pay for 3
new buildings and a operating levy as well.
Great Comments! To be responsible and economical at the same time, we must know what our community is willing to support. It seems to me that the time has come for all of us to take this responsibility serious. New schools are definitely needed at this time. The longer we wait, the more serious the situation. Planning, planning, planning...that is the key. Great comments! Keep them coming
From the New York Times
Top Officials See Bleaker Outlook for the Economy
By EDMUND L. ANDREWS
Published: February 15, 2008
WASHINGTON — With the credit markets once again deteriorating, the nation’s two top economic policy makers acknowledged Thursday that the outlook for the economy had worsened, as both came under criticism for being overtaken by events and failing to act boldly enough.
In testimony to Congress, Ben S. Bernanke, the chairman of the Federal Reserve, signaled that the Fed was ready to reduce interest rates yet again, pointing out that problems in housing and mortgage-related markets had spread more widely and proved more intractable than he predicted three months ago.
His sobering assessment was echoed by Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson Jr., who appeared with him. Both continued to avoid predicting a recession but said they were scaling back the more optimistic forecasts they had issued in November.
Ethan S. Harris, chief United States economist for Lehman Brothers, said that both policy makers had “come clean” about the economy’s problems but that investors were not impressed.
Stock prices, which normally rally when the Fed hints it will lower borrowing costs, tumbled instead. The Dow Jones industrial average dropped 175 points, or 1.4 percent; broader stock indexes dropped by similar amounts.
Anxiety is escalating among institutional lenders and major borrowers, as the panic over soaring default rates on subprime mortgages that began last summer continues to spread, freezing up credit for municipalities, hospitals, student loans and even investment funds holding the most conservative bonds.
On Capitol Hill, the economic policy makers found themselves in the line of fire. Senator Robert Menendez, Democrat of New Jersey, accused both Mr. Bernanke and Mr. Paulson of having “hit the snooze button.”
Senator Christopher J. Dodd of Connecticut, chairman of the Banking Committee, told reporters after the hearing that “it just seems as if they aren’t as concerned about the magnitude of the problem.”
Testifying before the committee, Mr. Bernanke said he still expected the economy to grow at a “sluggish” pace over the next few months and to pick up speed later in the year. But he said “the downside risks to growth have increased,” noting that spiraling losses in home mortgages have dragged down the credit markets and shaken the broader economy.
While trying to be optimistic, Mr. Paulson said that the administration’s forecast “would be less, but I do believe we’ll keep growing.”
Many Wall Street economic forecasters, however, are already estimating that the risks of a recession are at least 50-50, and a growing number of analysts contend that an economic contraction may have already begun.
Fed policy makers will release their newest forecasts on Wednesday, and Mr. Bernanke said they would be more in line with those of private-sector economists.
The Fed has reduced its benchmark interest rate, called the federal funds rate, five times since September, including two cuts within eight days last month. The rate has fallen to 3 percent; as recently as late summer of last year it was 5.25 percent.
Mr. Bernanke assured lawmakers that the Fed would “provide adequate insurance” against a downturn in the form of cheaper money.
But neither investors nor politicians have responded particularly favorably to Washington’s moves. Yields on asset-backed securities that hold mortgages and other debt have risen to levels almost as high as they were last August, when financial markets first seized up in response to soaring default rates on subprime mortgages.
The Fed’s rate cuts have led to a more modest decline in mortgage rates for borrowers with good credit, but they have done little to ease the broader credit squeeze.
Mr. Bernanke agreed that banks and other lenders have been pulling back, both because of increased aversion to risk and because they have been forced to book huge losses from soured loans and to repurchase troubled mortgages and loans they had sold to investors.
The unexpected losses and growing pressures, he continued, have prompted banks to become more restrictive in their lending and more “protective of their liquidity.”
Mr. Bernanke said the economy would grow slowly but pick up speed later in response to both the Fed’s lower interest rates and the $168 billion economic stimulus package that President Bush signed Wednesday.
“At present, my baseline outlook involves a period of sluggish growth, followed by a somewhat stronger pace of growth starting later this year,” he told lawmakers. But in cautioning that his outlook could turn out to be wrong, the Fed chairman left the door open to additional rate reductions.
We nee to be VERY Careful Willard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just did my federal taxes and owe an additional $ 1300 on top of the over $8,000 I already paid. You really think I will vote for to pay even more taxes? Get Real !!
Maybe we should look into sponsorship if we need new buildings SO bad.
Have the elementary building called
The Willard CSX Elementary School,
The Willard Pepperidge Farms Middle School,
and The Willard RR Donnelly High School.
Have each business pay a third of the cost for their name on the building etc....
Fixing what needs fixing and updating what needs updating is going to cost almost as much as NEW buildings. Compare the costs and you'll see that New is the way to go! What's wrong with KIDS FIRST? Is that all you saw in the posted comment? Aren't they what this is all about?
I don't think a new building(s) will
give us an educational advantage or our students. I do think caring parents that are working with their kids at home along with the teachers and administrators will give us the advantage.
I think Kid's First is a catch phrase that means very little, like read my lips No New Taxes.
If we were really into kid's first we would not have eliminated the pre-first program, cut the elementary music program in half and let go of several teacher's aids.
Education is about adults teaching kids. Passing on knowledge, igniting the spark of learning. Buildings are not the determining factor.
What an opportunity for our schools. It is about time the state gave back to the students in our district. We would be foolish not to respond positively.
Building alone...certainly don't make all the difference. Education is a combined effort of many ingredients. Of course parents are extremely important. Having students in a safe environment is also important. Kids First, I believe is a motto that attempts to demonstrate that education is about the students... It's amazing that we look at possible state monies to create a state of the art school system and we come up with many excuses why it won't work. Finances are always going to be a concern in any organization...
I understand people pay alot in taxes. I pay taxes too. I live in this district and would have to pay more for new schools. I'm willing to do that. The Federal government taxes me and I don't have a say in where my money goes. The State government taxes me and I don't have a say in where the money is spent. These tax dollars are actually something I can say "YES," I want my money to go to the kids of our community. I can say "YES," I want to spend my tax dollars on the future of Willard, Ohio. At least I have a say in what some of my tax dollars go for. Not a war in Iraq, not to some big corporation for useless research, but to my kids and my neighbors kids for a better education. I can afford that!
Lets just say the voters of Willard turn down this free money.Are our schools in such bad shape that the state will shut us down?I'm sure there are schools that are in worse shape than ours and wonder when can the state step in.Can we be forced to build a new school if Willard schools are un livable?What about schools in districts that absolutely can't afford to build new.Will the students be left behind?
As we reflect on our school district and the relative age of the buildings (and, yes, they are in pretty good shape)there reaches a point of what is "good enough"? Why would the Ohio School Facilities support new versus renovation? Why would new health regulations (Jarod's Law) be of concern? There is a building program some time in the near future for the Willard City Schools... Will it be with help from the State (59% of the cost covered) or will the district have to bear the burden alone? It is time for our community to decide... alone or with the state help???
I don't think it's a good comprehensive plan.
I don't like how it's been shoved at us instead of having an open public form on this. Only a select group has been in on the plans.
I don't think the community is ready for this.
With the buildings that have been designated you are still going to have traveling teachers and special teachers.
It would make sense to have a PreK-4 grouping and a 5-8. If you are really going to promote not having overlap in services with current traveling teachers.
I don't think the group tried to present a comprehensive plan...but attempted to display grade configurations that makes sense according to guidelines established by the OSFC. Traveling teachers would be held to a minimum if there were two or three buildings versus six...That is my take on the meeting.
Question: Who is shoving a plan? I thought the committee was getting input from the community. I don't think that any plan has been selected? Contact someone on the Building Advisory Committee...I saw the names listed on the brochure... I guess two community meetings aren't enough to get input... speak up...with your concerns. March 31st is the next meeting...I think at 6:30 p.m.
I've notice some rather pointed comments on the blog... The Building Advisory Committee welcomes your opinions... We have been gathering questions and concerns for several months and have looked at the experiences of other districts. The reason we are coming to the community is because according to the OSFC, our turn is now. We have to decide to "participate" or receive no funds. If we are unable to pass a levy (direct community input) within a year... we lose our opportunity to participate in the program. The window is narrow for our district. Certainly the community does and will decide the direction the district goes. I wouldn't have it any other way. There will be many opportunities for specific input in the planning process. Be sure to call and give your name so we can add you to the list. Thank you for caring for our schools.
So what happens if this does not pass?
How many times can it be put on the ballot?
What if it never passes?
Will Willard City Schools be put at the bottom of the list and wait for another turn?
Once the Board of Education determines a Master Plan and commits to the OSFC participation, the district has one year to pass a levy to finance the local share. If the district fails to pass a levy in one year... there are no guarantees that funding will be available for the district to participate. If there are funds available...the district might be able to try again to secure a portion of those funds. Needless-to-say, once the clock start ticking...it is important to pass that levy.
Has the city indicated any desire to acquire the current middle school if the levy were to pass? While the facility is certainly not a perfect match for their desires, it could meet many of the recreational needs of the community and perhaps serve groups like the senior citizens well. Walking routes, courts, a large cafetria and some flexible space at that location would be a major upgrade from what is currently available in Willard. This is a pertinent topic because despite the state assessment of the building, the community perceives the current middle school as a valuable facility. The levy gains some additional creedence if the community can find benefit from how that building is utilized.
If a 1 ml levy would generate
3.3 million over 28 years, would
the bond levy ask for 6 ml to
generate the needed l8 million for
the least expensive option?
In reference to:
"I just did my federal taxes and owe an additional $ 1300 on top of the over $8,000 I already paid. You really think I will vote for to pay even more taxes? Get Real !!"
I wish that I made enough money to pay $9300 in federal income tax. You tripled mine! You must have enough to share.
I would like to see some kind of pool for the high school swim team. My son will be there in 2 yrs and is definately going out for swimming. Where do they practice at now? Out of town at other places. Traveling in this kind of weather, I know its worry's parents.
Is there any idea how much money the school district could make by selling off the elementary buildings and property?
Would that money then be used to pay off the new building?
I would think that Central & New Haven would be prime real estate!
There seems to be many money issues at this current season.
Pioneer wants money....property tax
The City of Willard wants money
and a New Building Program for Willard City Schools.
That's a lot to think about,
are we looking at an extra $350-$450 a year for all of this?
or will it be more?
The needs of the high school swim team certainly should be taken into consideration with any building plan. Now is the time for Willard to look to the future and consider offering more choices to our students and community for recreation. A swimming pool would provide much needed recreation for citizens of all ages. It would be great to see the city and schools come together on this one.
How did those poor people get by in the 'oldin days' without a brand new bulding.
This is the 8th grade final exam from 1895 from Selina, KS
(I think special attention is do to Arithmetic problem #4)
GRAMMAR (Time one hour)
1. Give nine rules for the use of Capital Letters.
2. Name the Parts of Speech and define those that have no modifications.
3. Define Verse, Stanza and Paragraph.
4. What are the Principal Parts of a verb?
5. Give Principal Parts of do, lie, lay, and run.
6. Define Case, Illustrate each Case.
7. What is Punctuation?
8. Give rules for principal marks of Punctuation.
9. Write a composition of about 150 words and show therein that you understand the practical use of the rules of grammar.
ARITHMETIC (Time 1.25 hours)
1. Name and define the Fundamental Rules of Arithmetic.
2. A wagon box is 2ft. deep, 10ft. long, and 3ft. wide. How many bushels of wheat will it hold?
3. If a load of wheat weighs 3942 lbs., what is it worth at 50 cts. per bu., deducting 1050 lbs. for tare?
4. District No. 33 has a valuation of $35,000. What is the necessary levy to carry on a school seven months at $50 per month, and have $104 for incidentals?
5. Find cost of 6720 lbs. coal at $6.00 per ton.
6. Find the interest of $512.60 for 8 months and 18 days at 7 percent.
What is the cost of 40 boards 12 inches wide and 16 ft. long at $20 per m?
8. Find bank discount on $300 for 90 days (no grace) at 10 percent.
9. What is the cost of a square farm at $15 per acre, the distance around which is 640 rods?
10. Write a Bank Check, a Promissory Note, and a Receipt.
U.S. HISTORY (Time 45 minutes)
1. Give the epochs into which U.S. History is divided.
2. Give an account of the discovery of America by Columbus.
3. Relate the causes and results of the Revolutionary War.
4. Show the territorial growth of the United States.
5. Tell what you can of the history of Kansas.
6. Describe three of the most prominent battles of the Rebellion.
7. Who were the following: Morse, Whitney, Fulton, Bell, Lincoln, Penn, and Howe?
8. Name events connected with the following dates: 1607, 1620, 1800, 1849, 1865.
ORTHOGRAPHY (Time one hour)
1. What is meant by the following: Alphabet, phonetic, orthography, etymology, syllabication?
2. What are elementary sounds? How classified?
3. What are the following, and give examples of each: Trigaph, subvocals, diphthong, cognate letters, linguals?
4. Give four substitutes for caret 'u'.
5. give two rules for spelling words with final 'e'. Name two exceptions under each rule.
6. Give two uses of silent letters in spelling. Illustrate each.
7. Define the following prefixes and use in connection with word: Bi, dis, mis, pre, semi, post, non, inter, mono, super.
8. Mark diacritically and divide into syllables the following, and name the sign that indicates the sound: Card, ball, mercy, sir, odd, cell, rise, blood, fare, last.
9. Use the following correctly in sentences, Cite, site, sight, fane, feign, vane, vain, vein, raze, raise, rays.
10. Write 10 words frequently mispronounced and indicate pronunciation by use of diacritcal marks and by syllabication.
GEOGRAPHY (Time one hour)
1. What is climate? Upon what does climate depend?
2.How do you account for the extremes of climate in Kansas?
3. Of what use are rivers? Of what use is the ocean?
4. Describe the mountains of North America.
5. Name and describe the following: Monrovia, Odessa, Denver, Manitoba, Hecla, Yukon, St. Helena, Juan Fermandez, Aspinwall and Orinoco.
6. Name and locate the principal trade centers of the U.S.
7. Name all the republics of Europe and give capital of each.
8. Why is the Atlantic Coast colder than the Pacific in the same latitude?
9. Describe the process by which the water of the ocean returns to the sources of rivers.
10. Describe the movements of the earth. Give inclination of the earth.
Buildings do not teach or prepare our students for their future, Teachers and Parents working together do.
Let's take the $21.5 million and start a College fund for all the Students that graduate from WHS.
Does anyone know are the loans paid off on the last building project that our school system did in the mid 90's?.... 1994 I believe. Will we be paying on these loans and how long on top of all of the new loans???
A concern is that of students who have to walk to school, and to after school activities. It is vital that the new building(s) be in town so that these students are still able to participate in extra-curricular activities, or attend football games, choir concerts, etc. I also strongly believe in building a new PAC, or leave the current one if the new high school is going to be built on the same site. The PAC is used for so many things; concerts, theatre, assemblies, award ceremonies, and much more. Without a PAC, many activities would not have a home.
I am disabled, no way to make additional money. My wife is laid off and her insurance expires soon. The company increased the cost of the insurance in June. We pay 3 times more none. The company took the next raise for a year. Prescriptions are up 500%. Gasoline is up 150%. Food is getting hard to buy because of price increases. Business, Doctors, professionals can raise prices, what can blue collar workers do besides suffer. We can not afford new schools for the school administration to sit in and admire. We have always had permenant improvement levies. Was the money squandered or what? We cannot afford new schools in this economy. Having said this I am encouraging all voters to vote against this new levy. Enough is enough! Let the rich and business pay for any new schools I want to continue to live in a house and eat.
As great as a new building(s) would be, who doesn't like or want something new, I don't think it would be prudent at this point to go forward with this large of a building plan for this community. Times are tough and an extra $400+ a year in property taxes is asking a lot and let's face it we will be asked for another operating levy as well!
I also believe the district has some unpaid building loans from the last building project in the 90's.
Don't we want what is best for our children? I am not saying that we have to have brand new schools but we do need some remodeling to get our schools up to the scale of that of other districts. I want my children to have the same opportunities as other children in other districts with new technology, equipment, etc.
This time in history is the worst for wanting additional moneys. If we build the schools, than we would need additional levies for operating capital. The economy is very bad. Food, gas, rent, heating/cooling , health care, any products that depend on gas or desiel to ship. I am hanging on by the skin of my teeth as are so many in this school district. I have yet to talk to one person that will support this. Must be all the well off people in this district are the ones that want new schools.
I think Willard schools are just fine the way they are, if the school wants to build new ones, then they need to cut back on sports and other crap to save money so they can build. Why should we the ones have NO KIDS in school have to pay!!??
Willard dont need any new schools! But if they want one they need to cut out all the sports and save up the money from that, make the kids pay to play, and not make people who dont have kids in school pay the extra taxes! I went to Willard school system it was good enough for us its good enough for the kids now!
It's a good idea to update our school buildings....Just a very bad time to go into that much debt as a community. Let's wait for a better time. I would not have wanted to build buildings in 1929 or in 2009.
Will the students receive a better education in a newer facility versus the facility we currently have??????? I dont think so!
With the uncertainty of the economy right now, It is not in the best interest of anyone to vote for new taxes.
Plain and simple the timing is just BAD.
no
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