Bond issue for high school clarified

To the editor:

Just for clarification, our last bond issue was NOT for a new high school. We proposed an addition to the west side of the high school that would house all of our core classes, add new restrooms, centrally locate our administrative offices and library, improve security, and add handicap accessibility to the auditorium. After students were moved into that section we could remodel the empty classrooms to enlarge our vocal music and band rooms, get our art room out of the basement, supply a better area for business and home economics classes, and enlarge our commons area. The previous bond issue also would have allowed us to air-condition all the other buildings. At no time did we suggest building a new high school.

The study committee understood that we had a solid building that the community was very attached to and so, after many discussions with all stakeholders, this was their solution. The new addition would allow us to teach in classrooms conducive to 21st century learning with better lighting, air quality, and technology access and to remodel the rest of the building without disrupting the educational process. My thanks to the committee that worked so hard to put together the best proposal for all involved. My hope is that we can reevaluate that plan and seek a way to get more public involvement so they will share our vision for education in Fairfield.

The board continues to look for ways to provide our students a great educational experience while being good stewards of district resources and local tax dollars.

? Jeri Kunkle, Fairfield Community School District Board of Directors member