We who live in the Eden Valley-Watkins School District are indeed fortunate. We have a very good school system with teachers, staff and board members who are dedicated to providing a superior educational experience for all students. Unfortunately, our facilities are quite outdated and are no longer the most efficient or appropriate environment for 21st-
century learning. Some of the basic systems in the buildings, such as heating and plumbing, have reached the point of costing more to maintain than to replace. On June 6, the residents of Eden Valley-Watkins School District will have the opportunity to vote on updating our school facilities to provide a safe, secure and conducive environment allowing our students to be prepared to compete in a 21st-century world. The needs are clear: secured entrances to our elementary buildings, safety for our elementary school student drop-off/pickup area, maintaining our aging facilities for the long term, improving student learning spaces at our high school, upgrading basic systems and providing a safe environment for all community members.
With such a large range of needs, it is important the school district makes the best use of our tax dollars. With historically low interest rates and competitive construction costs, now is the time to approve these projects. The needs of the district will always be present. If we wait, costs will only go higher and our students will lose out on advances in education and technology. The June 6 referendum meets the short and long-term needs of our District and represents the wise use of our tax dollars.
As a parent of two children in the District, I have serious concerns related to the safety and well-being of our students, teachers and community members. As a Task Force Member, I have been directly involved in the project and recommendations to improve facilities and security. Based on my involvement and passion for this District and our community, I believe it is essential to provide voters with accurate information to aid in their deliberation on the referendum. I have identified the following inaccurate claims in letters previously submitted to the Editor, in opposition of the referendum:
1. $12 vs. $20 million bond issue: The District is asking voters to decide on a $12 million, not $20 million, bond which is focused on safety, security, enhancements and renovations to our current facilities.
2. Location of and space for the field: The football field and track will be located on the Eden Valley Elementary School grounds, however the exact location on the grounds has yet to be determined. That phase of construction is yet to follow and includes input from community, staff and administration.
3. Football Field/Track Propo-sal: The Task Force took a number of things into consideration when proposing the relocation of the football field onto school grounds.
a. We made the safety of our spectators our top priority. We currently have spectators sitting next to parked vehicles and in end zones, which is a huge safety risk. It only takes one incident to seriously injure someone. Is safety something we are willing to put a price tag on?
b. We currently face a parking shortage. Parking will further be impacted by the development of Friederich Park. The elementary school grounds provides ample parking, away from spectator seating areas.
c. The Task Force recommendations and facts provided by the school district have identified significant utilization of the field and track by elementary student physical education and curriculum, field days, all athletic teams and individuals, summer recreation programs, Special Olympics, and other community events.
d. Calculating the cost of the field/track based on the number of football games played in a season over a 20 year timespan does not provide an accurate reflection of the true cost associated with the utilization of the field by all students and community members. The addition of the new gym in 2012 has brought people into town for events, stimulating our local economy, which wasn?Äôt previously possible. The addition of a track and football field would
provide similar revenue generating opportunities for our local organizations and businesses.
4. Drainage on site: The Architect didn?Äôt raise issue about drainage, but made a comment about a drainage ditch on the west line of the elementary property.
5. Artist?Äôs renditions: The Task Force provided ample input on locations and preliminary designs, and had the opportunity to review a variety of concepts and sketches from the Architect. Again, the design and blueprint phase of a project follows a successful vote.
I encourage you to take the time to educate yourself on the facts related to the bond prior to casting your vote on June 6.
Information related to the bond and tax impact can be found on the Districts website www.evw.k12.mn.us.
Eden Valley and Watkins residents have traditionally supported the needs of our kids and our school district. The referendum is necessary to maintain what we all want for our kids: strong schools with good teachers and a curriculum that produces bright students who are ready to contribute to our community. Please join me and vote ?ÄúYes?Äù on the Eden Valley-Watkins School Referendum question on June 6.
Stacey Moehrle