Pickerington Area Taxpayers Alliance

It has been tried

I thought that expasion was put to the voters a few years back and it failed

By Powder Puff

True, but...

Times, people, events, situations, virtually everything has changed since then.

Nothing else is working. Why not try again?

Last time the teachers union came out against it.

I think this time the voters probably would not listen to their incessant whining. If they don't like it, go get a job in Columbus. I hear they're hiring.

What I was told

I am repeating what I was told when asked the question ''the barn originally called for siding, brick was added due to building codes''. Research it for yourself before making assumptions and posting them.

Another Central Whiner

I am so tired of the perceived inequities between the two schools being used as an excuse not to vote (as a side note, is it Central Mom ''aka whiny mom'' posting these comments?). When Central was originally built, the board asked for enough money so that the building could eventually be added to for future growth. The cost to build a building in this manner cost more than building with no intention of never adding on. At the time, voters would not foot the bill and now our community is paying for it because rather than simply adding onto Central, it was more cost effective to build a whole new building.

You mention that the new elementary schools should be built to look like the older schools. My children attend Violet elementary and will never attend the new schools built because of where we live. I would not expect a new building to be built like an older building. It's just ridiculous. If I built a new house, I would not build one that looks like the one I've lived in for six years. I am not bitter that my children won't attend the new school. I am happyt that the board chooses to build a school with materials and design deservant of 2006. Your rationale is absurd. I will also NOT CARRY A GRUDGE that my children will attend the ''old school''. Teachers and staff make my children's school wonderful and I will not penalize the children of this district and let them remain in overcrowded conditions because my children won't attend the new schools. I am happy to pay for these new schools. There is nothing extravagent about Tussing, Harmon or Diley.

Speaking of which, I again ask the question. How has THIS BOARD misspent $$? When North was built it was a different board and superintendant. Please tell me how they have missmanaged building funds since this seems to be your arguement for voting against the bond. The board has laid out a good plan- 3 needed schools in strategic locations, cost effective designs which will provide needed space. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PLAN??

Why would we add on to existing schools? This has been presented to the public in the past and it has been voted down. I would argue that most schools do not have the room to add on. In addition, it's not just a matter of adding on classroom space. What is really needed are larger common areas- gyms, cafeterias, bathrooms, etc.

Finally, I think that Central is a beautiful school. I've heard that when it was built, many people felt it was too extravagant (sound familar?). Anyone who complains or calls Central the ''ghetto school'' is just plain spoiled. I never attended a school as nice as Central. The grounds are beautiful, the performing arts center is nice or nicer than Norths, the Stadium has personality- I could go on an on. I was at North this week and I just don't see what is so special about it? Block walls, no fancy lights or flooring, regular classrooms, etc. Please tell me what is so great? It looks grand on the outside because it's two stories and sits on a high piece of land. For those of you who still argue that it's a ''grand'' school, I argue, what's wrong with our children having a nice place to learn? If you go to any other community in the Columbus area, you will find schools as nice if not nicer. What is wrong with having a nice school?

I understand that you are so bitter that your children go to Central that no matter what the board presents, you will find ways to vote no. You obviously don't really care about the needs of this community. I would guess that it has provided your children a great learning environment and now that they are in high school, you have no need to support the younger generation. I just pray that I never become bitter and will always value the future of our children.