FROM THE PUBLISHER'S DESK: A new school needs funding

By Pauline Sherrer / Chronicle publisher

May 01, 2008 09:11 pm

— I have a question that must be answered both by the Board of Education and the county commission.
Since it appears there are not enough allocated funds to cover the current cost of running our present school system, how can you even consider building another elementary school without plans of financial support?
I have heard “build it and they will come.” Yes, the need is there and they will come along with the day-to-day operating expenses.
I have heard county commissioners say their constituents do not want a property tax increase. The majority of those that I have spoken with were in favor of a tax increase. If just a few cents had been added throughout the years, we would not be in our current financial situation. The voters did show they did not want a wheel tax.
I just cannot believe that the majority of those living in Cumberland County do not want their children to be educated in an adequately funded school system. If we cannot meet the needs of our school system this very day, how can we fund yet another school? We all know the need is here by the counting of those little heads, but where’s the sustainable money for this school and all the other schools in our county?
How many more elementary schools will be over crowded in a few years? Is adding more elementary schools the best answer to address our growing education population? Or, do we need to take another serious look at the middle school(s) concept?
These are my questions. I know you also have many.
Our county population is composed of those with brilliant educational minds as well as those citizens with superior financial planning skills. We must seek their advice, choose a plan of action, and proceed forth ASAP.
Pauline D. Sherrer is the publisher of the Crossville Chronicle, and her column is published periodically. She may be reached at reportnews@crossville-chronicle.com.