JACKSON SCHOOLS ARE GROWING

While Kansas City has squandered money, the Jackson public schools continue to be a sound steward of taxpayers' dollars. But the district is feeling growing pains: 350 new students in the last two years. Projections are for continued growth.

The district is proposing a $7.8 million bond issue on the Aug. 6 ballot. This would pay for a new math and science addition at the high school and an addition at North Elementary School. It would also finance a new elementary school to be built south of town. The building would provide enough space for an all-day kindergarten program, which will take about two years to implement.

Jackson has been incredibly successful with its bond issues in recent years. Only one has failed. Two years ago, district voters approved a new middle school, which alleviated some of the growth at the junior high school.

The need is clear. Enrollment continues to grow and the district must have a place to put all these students. The district plans a series of community forums to educate the public. The district continues to merit patron trust.