Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Another viewpoint on the Greenville levy (Anne Vehre)

On February 2, 2010, we have a chance to make a choice - - a choice to take our first step toward reclaiming our community and moving it forward. By voting “yes” for the school bond issue, we will be looking toward the future and not backward to the past.

During these past years, we have seen closing factories and empty store fronts. We have seen stocks fall and prices rise. While senior citizens struggle on fixed incomes, and young couples stress over keeping their homes and putting food on the table, one fact is evident - - a better “tomorrow” depends upon our efforts “today.”

IF we are to grow as a community, we must grow together as a citizenry to grasp present opportunities while they are available. This means taking advantage of the state and federal dollars that will be returned to us from the taxes we have already paid. In these troubled times, why should we let our tax dollars go out to another community when we can reclaim them in our own community to build a new school - - a much needed school. If we don’t take advantage of these tax dollars now - - later will be too late.

There will be other economic advantages. Learning from hindsight, much foresight has gone into the planning of this new school. As other new schools struggle to pay their operating costs, this school will be built from the ground up according to LEED standards - - a leader in energy efficiency and environmental design.

Built with durable and nontoxic materials as well as to provide the best use of air circulation and space, it will assure a safer and healthier environment for students, teachers and staff. Installed with Energy Star windows, computers and other equipment as well as electric-, heating-, and water-conservation systems, it will dramatically reduce operating costs on an annual basis for years to come. When built, it will exemplify what a “green” building is all about - - a solution and trend that can economically transform how we live and work. If this isn’t enough, it will be entirely handicapped accessible.

NO MORE, will students, teachers and staff be exposed to overheated rooms on the upper floor or sit shivering in under heated rooms on the bottom floor. NO MORE, will they be exposed to wind, rain, snow and sleet as they go outside to change classes. NO MORE, will they play dodge ball with the bats that sometimes fly down from the eaves for an occasional visit to a classroom. NO MORE, will disabled children or adults be kept from visiting “any” room “anywhere” in the school. NO MORE, will clanging pipes speak louder than a teacher’s voice. And, NO MORE, will prospective leaders of new businesses and industries decide to locate to another town because they have been turned off by an outdated school that has seen its day.

Beginning with a “yes” vote for a “green” school, we can all do our part in helping Greenville grow by attracting other “green” opportunities. Everyday, new “green” technologies are being developed that will create new industries. New industries mean new jobs. New jobs mean a better way of life for not only Greenville residents but for all Americans. We can have the new school and a better future. All it takes is stepping forward with faith and not with fear by thinking about what we have to gain instead of what we have to lose. Now is the time to make it happen.

13 comments:

  1. I live in greenville and my taxes have been costing me more all the time dont belive that this school is the way to go . more cost to struggling people who lost jobs and trying to keep there home.we have a new tax that people voted on that will start in febuary. greenville builds this school wont be any contractor from greenville.it will be dayton or columbus and people from their . have not seen any new business in any of the new schools towns. a new school is nice but when do you say enough is enough. that dont help us seniors are already having a hard time to get by they dont need a new tax.

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  2. Most likely it WOULD BE a local contractor... how can outsiders compete when you take into consideration they'd have to pay travel time and expenses? Additionally, for those who went to the Town Hall, the architect said they try to use local suppliers for things like windows, electric, bricks. It's a win-win.... kids, community, jobs!

    If you won't vote on this for the kids, vote for the future of this community...otherwise don't complain if you need to move out of town and your home value is less than what you owe on it.

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  3. Tough times don't last, tough people do. We need to take the State's tax money while it is still available. We need to get into the 21st century...or more importantly, get our kids there! The cost of this will be less than 30 cents A DAY for the majority of people. Surely our future is worth that!

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  4. I am confused about the construction. Will a contract be let or is the school going to be like a general contractor without competitive bidding? I am confused because the usually the contractor will determine who will supply windows, electric or the bricks. I think it would be great to think that all the supplies come from Darke County, but to me that is unrealistic. Usually a contractor like Star or Ferguson are the general.

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  5. it will be a out of town contractor wont be in darke county brick or electric company around here. they say it is for the kids 5-8 th grade what about the north of town woodland school it will stay the same high school will be the same. the trailers will still be there. what about the rest of them if they are going to do this need a big enough for all . but we know where that went majority voted it down so now they put it back in a special election at a cost of 15,0000-20,000 to get people to go out and approve it . i have kids in school and there class fees are costing more every year. and dont forget about the november election that new tax that goes in affect in febuary 1, just one day after you go out and vote for more money to be paid out in taxes. figure out what you are voting on febuary 2,2010.

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  6. When a school is built using OSFC funding there are specific rules that must be followed for the bid process. Contracts for general construction, electric, plumbing, HVAC, fire protection, technology systems, furnishings, etc. are bid individually. Consultants from various specialties are hired to work with the architect and school to write the bid requirements. For example, a sound engineering firm might help the school specify what kind of audio/PA equipment is needed for the gym and cafetorium. A local company such as Bach to Rock could then place a bid to provide and install equipment that meets those specifications. It's quite extensive from what I've followed of other Darke County schools. However, there are no guarantees that local or non-local contractors and vendors will be used. My guess is that most likely it would be a combination of both.

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  7. Its like snoop dog said there will be a general contractor that gives a bid and he will hire all the carpenters and hvac guys and the brick masons.I have been in this business for 25 years.I dont think it will be a local contractor that does it they didnt use a local contractor on the hospital addition.

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  8. Got my tax bill today. Yes, mine jumped due to the appraisel last yr. I sure hope that my 2 little bedroom house will sell in the future even tho the taxes are 1000.00 a year. I really doubt anyone will think its worth it. I had planned to replace my windows because they are on a rope type fixture, the levy passes, guess that won't be happening for the next 37 yrs. because I haven't gotten a raise for 3 yrs. Hey, but that's not important. Can't wait to see those new businesses come to town, I'm going to need a part time job!

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  9. as long as there is a qualified local contractor who steps up with an aggressive bid, it will be a local contractor, or yeah, heads would roll. lol

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  10. Gettysburg School is for sale again. I attended that school for 9 yrs and it was just fine and it housed grades K-12.

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  11. There having classes in north school.Its a private school now.I thought the people that bought the building was going to use it for storage or something?

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  12. Darke County Online Auditor indicates that North Middle School at 214 North Main is still owned by the Board of Education, Greenville City Schools. The school board minutes of June 25, 2009, state "recommended approval of a Land Contract with The Church of God for the sale of North School Property". If the Church defaults on the Land Contract, the taxpayers may also have that building to maintain, along with the Junior High since it is probably not going to be sold. How is this saving any money?

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  13. I don't want to vote yes on the levy. I don't think its going to bring all these people and jobs to the community. Greenville has been slipping for a long time. Ok they have a new middle school what are the families going to think about the high school and the elementary school, why are they moving here in the first place? A job? How long will it be till they want money for those schools? But, I will be voting yes because I am really concerned about that junior high. What if somebodies child really gets hurt next time and they just keep letting them go there. I know they don't care why they get my yes as long as they get it. What about the parents whose children thru open enrollment are going to a new school and are voting no on our levy so they don't have to pay. They don't care why they get a no as long as they get it!

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