Dear Editor:
Our family has chosen to educate our children in the Catholic school system. So why would we ever support a public school bond issue?
I live and work in the Jefferson City community. Without a strong public school system, the quality of life in a community suffers, along with its economy. If the community and its economy suffer, then so do its churches, and so do its parochial school systems.
I've had the opportunity to get to know many of our public school board and staff over the years I've lived here.
Their solid leadership is a big part of why our schools have historically been so strong.
I also respect the fact they have been very responsible with our money over the years, not coming to the voters for additional resources unless those resources are absolutely needed. They've earned my trust as a taxpayer.
Something needs to happen with JC High School. That is a given. To do it right, our school board and staff feel they need the additional resources contained in the upcoming bond issue.
This vote should not be a referendum on the specifics of how the high school issue is to be addressed, one school versus two and so forth, rather simply whether we as taxpayers are going to provide the additional resources needed.
I know our public school leadership has been studying this issue for several years, and that they have and will continue to get the public input necessary to deliver the best possible solution for our community and its public school students. We can trust them on this.
Jefferson City has consistently stood behind our public school system when the need has arisen, and our public school leadership has not steered us wrong so far.
Let's show some faith in that group and support the bond issue, so that we can keep our public schools strong for the benefit of all Jefferson City citizens; those with public school students, and those like myself that just want to live in a strong and vibrant community.