The "Wow! factor" must not obscure diligent deliberation.
The Jefferson City School Board wisely has decided to study a request to sell property, at a loss, for a proposed project combining a multipurpose sports facility, civic events center and Special Olympics headquarters.
Randy Allen, president and CEO of the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce, is spearheading the proposal that would combine the multipurpose building sought by the city's Parks and Recreation agency, a civic events center - financed by city lodging tax revenues previously intended for the failed conference center initiative - and the not-for profit Special Olympics.
The ambitious proposal "has a lot of the "Wow! factor' in it," said Doug Whitehead, a member of the public school board that heard Allen's pitch during its Monday meeting.
Previously in this forum, we have acknowledged that partnerships may be required to move major projects from concept to reality.
A key to these partnerships - particularly for government entities that have an obligation to taxpayers - is the result must be mutually beneficial.
The land transfer, as proposed, does not benefit the school district.
Allen has asked the district to sell 15 of its 115 acres on Missouri 179 for $20,000 an acre. But Pam Murray, a member of the district's Long Range Facilities Planning Committee, points out the district paid $27,000 an acre for the parcel, the site for a proposed second high school defeated by voters.
The land transfer would result in an upfront loss to the district of $105,000.
But, Allen told the board, "we believe there are some joint-use facilities with a future school."
The school district responded by forming a committee, which will include board members and administrators. Creating committees is not always necessary or desirable, but it is in this case.
Like most "Wow! factor" proposals, possibilities and pitfalls abound.
Before making a commitment, the school district, and its patrons, must have a clear picture of what it is giving, what it is getting and what it is getting into.