I wanted to share my story with you as a parent in the Kimball School district. I need to tell you about the mistake I made when I had the chance to vote for an auditorium at the previous district I was living in. More than 10 years ago, Upsala had a very similar situation with three questions on the levy they were trying to pass. The third question asked to approve a 2.2 million dollar auditorium.
I thought this wasn?Äôt needed in a small school. An auditorium for a school as small as Upsala seemed over-kill for a facility that would not get the use needed to justify the amount of money spent. Was I ever wrong!
When I started working in Upsala, my children moved to attend the school district. I witnessed my children being showcased on numerous occasions in the auditorium my vote did not support. They were homecoming candidates. I watched them in choir concerts, fire prevention awards, and school Olympic contests. They were in plays and musicals. Upsala used the area to honor athletic teams going to State competitions, pep rallies, and welcome home celebrations. My children were in classes that used the great sound system and video capabilities. These far surpassed what the classroom could offer. They held class meetings, parent meetings, sports banquets, and pre-season meetings. All using this multi-use area!
Once the auditorium was built, a community theatre group was formed. The co-op telephone company board hosted monthly meetings. Community Education used the facility for classes because of the proximity to the parking lot and type of seating made it easy for young and old to attend.
I know the auditorium would be an excellent addition for our children and our community. I know we will find more opportunities to use the facility than we ever would dream of. I became a believer in the previous district my children attended and witnessed first hand as many events and celebrations were held.
Please don?Äôt make the same mistake I made 10 years ago, by voting no. Our children and community can utilize and deserve a facility like the auditorium.
Byron Westrich
KAHS Activities Director