Former teacher urges support for Jackson issue

Many people have questioned me in recent weeks concerning the proposed bond issue, knowing I taught music more than 27 years in the Jackson School District.

Actually, my history with the Jackson district goes even further than that, for I was also a student there all 12 grades, as were my children. I now have grandchildren beginning their educational experience in this same school system.

So with such a longtime interest and a very genuine desire to see our schools continue their excellent work of educating children, I urge all who ask to vote in favor of the bond issue.

I have always appreciated and been amazed at the way our community encourages and supports the students and their activities. Concerts, musicals, plays and dinner theaters are routinely filled to capacity.

There is, and has always been, great support for the sports teams, the band, the agriculture department, the various honor clubs and the business organizations.

I see a great deal of community pride in the students' accomplishments and awards, in the work ethic and dedication of our faculty and staff and in the school's many fine programs, both curricular and extra-curricular.

However, at the high school level, poor facilities, security issues, overcrowding, outdated equipment and health and safety concerns will soon begin to take their toll.

You have only to walk the crowded halls between classes, peek into the band room with wall-to-wall students or tour the antiquated A Building to realize the time is now.

I'm sure everyone agrees something must be done. There are options, of course, but I personally feel the building advisers, the administration and the school board have chosen a proposal that is the most practical and workable solution.

I also feel they are sincerely trying to be good stewards of our tax dollars by developing the current campus and land, but using the buildings that are sound and by planning each construction phase so as not to interrupt or deter the educational process.

I encourage you to continue displaying that tremendous Jackson pride in our schools and our community by supporting the bond issue on Nov. 2.

Jean Schweain is a retired Jackson School District teacher.