School answers questions on bond

It's not voter apathy or the economy that has Jackson school officials most concerned about their upcoming bond issue vote -- it's student achievement.

Administrators and teachers alike fear Jackson High School students have performed so well on annual state tests and have so many extracurricular accomplishments that voters won't understand the impact the aging facility has on learning.

"The community is going on the saying, 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'," said Jackson High School teacher Bob Clubbs. "We're broken, but the community doesn't see that because we get good results."

School officials have spent the past two months addressing voters' concerns about the impending bond issue through the district Web site, a video, brochures, tours and presentations to various clubs and organizations.

"The biggest thing is awareness. It's not about getting people to vote, it's about making sure they're well-informed before they go to the polls," said Dr. Ron Anderson, superintendent.

The following questions and answers address some of the common concerns Anderson has encountered from community members.

Q. How can I be assured that the school district will spend the money as promised?

A. Legally, the funds from this bond issue can only be used for building and capital projects.

Q. Why does the entire project need to be done all at once?

A. There are so many needs at the high school, it would be impossible to decide which one to begin with first. It would also increase the cost significantly because each year, construction costs go up.

Q. Why not build a new high school at another site?

A. This option was studied, but was determined to be too costly -- an estimated $40 million would be needed.

-- Callie Clark