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 Read comments (811)Banter BoxTuesday, November 27, 2007
OFF TOPIC AND AVAILABLE!! Pick your topic. This is the place to be if you want to make comments that don't fall into any categories... or got a question? Post it here, maybe our readers will have your answers
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IDCOUG:
I am with just1. Fact finding on this topic should not be this hard. The district is their own worst enemy and will do themselves in.
ShelbyWeiss, did you find your cats?
Missylynn, did you find a place to live? I saw more "For Rent" signs around town for houses. They are in the older area around the library and some off American Legion 3-6 blocks in. Just a thought. Good luck.
Meals on Wheels also needs volunteers if anyone has some "extra" time.
how much longer is this going to be drug out its getting old. the vote was cast move on.
Missy,
IMO the "meeting" is being blown way out the water. As with most committee's after the event occurs you will usually have an after actions meeting. I would bet Crazy Days will have one in the coming weeks, Elmore County Fair and Mt Home rodeo will have one also. I doubt we will hear of any of the after actions meetings for these events. Typically unless you had been attending the meetings all along, you would not attend a meeting to wrap things up.
I would be curious how many no voters called the School District and said they would like to talk about why the voted no.
If you want to lay blame on Senior Lady being told about the meeting blame me. I was the one who set up Moxie not the School District. Mr. McMurtrey was told about the meeting at Moxie and extended an invitation to the people who came out.. I'm willing to bet, if enough people called up the school district and said they would like to tell them why they voted no, the school district would be more than willing to schedule a forum to hear it. Believe it or not, they do want the public support to pass a bond..
One thing some people on here need to realize is, this is just a blog. There is no accountability for anything that is posted. For all they know, one person could actually have numerous ID's on here.
Also on a side not here is the link for the School Board. Meetings are held every 3rd Tuesday at 7:30
.http://www.mtnhomesd.org/trustees.htm
You can bet that I will be at the Board meeting on Tuesday. I would hope that others will attend also. Thank you for posting that for the folks that were not aware.
So, how was this wrap-up meeting advertised or announced to the public in general? I am a bit confused about this. Did you have to be at the Saturday "meeting" to get the invite or was it posted in another area like the paper. To have to call the district weekely to find out these details is not realistic. As a matter of fact, I did call them on Monday and was just told about the Board meeting for next week---no other meetings. Why was it not posted and if it was, where? Why is this information so hard to come by without calling the district office daily? They just did not want to deal with the many "no" votes in 1 room and chose to do it the way that they did which was not a very good decision. The district seems to be filled with bad decisions as of late.
EHL,
I'm not even sure how to address this issue, I have tried to figure out how to phrase this without coming across rude. As Hannah stated this was by no means a "secret" meeting. There is no game of hide the ball, in fact it was the furthest from that. An after actions meeting was held to see what the committee had heard on why the bond failed. Since SeniorLady came out Saturday she was invited to attend and to express her opinion on why she voted no. Since you feel so strongly on the school bond issue, I would recommend going to the school board meeting this Tuesday at 7:30 and let them know how you feel. You can actually sign up at the meeting and you will get 3 minutes to speak. Telling them in person is going to carry a whole lot more weight than writing it a blog.
The meeting on Tuesday was not a secret meeting. It was the original committee put together last Fall for the bond in September. These were people who work in different jobs in the community, plus parents, and teachers. Senior Lady was at the Saturday meeting along with 3 others and was invited to attend this meeting. Had others been there, they would have been invited as well.
If the district decides to run another bond, hopefully there will be many comminity forums that people can go to and give there input. I'm sure the district will post these on the website and in the newspaper.
SL:
I am sorry if my post came off as me bashing you---that was not what I set out to do. I just wanted to point out that there are too many "secrets" in this deal and I do not understand why. I truly appreciate your efforts with this and all of your hard work with fact finding. However, at some point the district needs to stop with the "hide the ball" games as it is not allowing the citizens/taxpayers a level playing field and that is not right. It really feels like a scam and I do not like that. If they want the
opinion(s) of the public/no votes then it should have been an open invitation NOT a "secret" meeting. What is really going on here. Lastly, as long as you are a member of this community and representing the "no" votes...you have EVERY right to post about meetings. You and I both pay taxes. This was wrong but it was not your fault. I can see already that I will be a no vote yet again as will most people that I know due to a lack of honesty/good faith on the part of the good old boys at the district. Again SL this is in no way an attack on you but the system has a REAL problem. When do we take a stand on stuff like this? This is how that nuclear power plant is going to get in...EDITING THE TRUTH AND FACTS. This really is a bunch of BS with this bond. Truly, it is! I am over the "secret" meetings and the scandal from lies. It is wrong and you can not teach children with this people at the head of the class. We had better wise up and fast.
Wow, some people need to write letters to the editor or even submit their thoughts as an article instead of taking up space in the banter box.
As for the carnival, I am not going since this is the same company that left the county in a very difficult spot last year.
If the school board is truly committed to making the schools better for the children, they need to be more open and honest than they have in the past. My decision to vote No was not an easy one as many think. I have said for a long time that improvements are needed but I just could not financially handle the amount the board proposed and they did/would not alter the plan at all. Maybe if they had, the bond would have passed but that is water under the bridge. I say move on and let's work together to improve things for the children and the community.
America's Energy Crisis, A Self Imposed Dilemma. The average American is appalled at the ever escalating price of gasoline/transportation costs and the impact that these costs are having on the family budget. Further, as we're well aware, transportation costs ripple through the entire American economy on every essential commodity that we're required to purchase such as food. The latter being accentuated by an erroneous emphasis on an inefficient petroleum substitute, ethanol, which actually inhibits our attempts to achieve higher mileage standards. In an America with POTENTIALLY vast energy resources, why have we allowed ourselves to become willing victims of cartel energy piracy from highly unstable, unfriendly fanatical regimes, from whom we now import a substantial segment of our petroleum needs? Imports which continuously drain wealth from America in the form of an unfavorable balance of trade; and, conversely flow petro-dollars into the coffers of Islamofacists and others who would destroy America given the opportunity. Were it not for America's dependence on these Middle-East petroleum imports, we could conveniently extricate ourselves from this cauldron of fanaticism; and, allow the fanatics to wallow in their self imposed misery and virulent hatred for Western culture.
The fundamental question is WHO do we blame for this self-imposed dilemma?
America originated nuclear power; and yet, we produce only 20% of our domestic electrical energy from the nuclear option while countries such as France produce 78%, and have programmed significantly more, dramatically reducing their dependence on fossil fuels. The safety issue on nuclear power is a non-sequitur given the hundreds of thousands of operating hours on U.S. Naval nuclear propulsion systems without incident. But yet, LEFT-WING FRINGE ELEMENTS in our society THAT COMPRISE A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THE BASE OF THE DEMOCRAT PARTY have for 30yrs. managed to bring America's nuclear industry to a standstill.
Our Nation possesses an abundance of untapped petroleum reserves off our coastlines; in the Alaskan wilderness; and, in the form of hi-quality shale oil in the Rocky Mountain region where we have the equivalent of ten(10) Saudi Arabia's in recoverable reserves. And yet, we have permitted LEFT-WING FRINGE ELEMENTS to inhibit our access to such deposits. The incredible irony is that the CHICOM are exploring for oil 45miles South of Key West, while we have prohibited ourselves from exploiting the same resources. Had Bill Clinton, in '95, not vetoed the Republican controlled Senate approval of drilling in ANWAR, exploration which has been previously proven to be beneficial to the Alaskan Caribou herds, we would have had an additional one million barrels of domestic oil production on-line TODAY; and, a concurrent reduction in the at-pump price of gasoline of $1/gallon. Further, there is an inherent synergy to be exploited between Nuclear Power and Shale Oil Extraction. Concurrently, Hillary Clinton and Barrack Obama, ensconced in their own vision of scuttling fossil fuels, have both pledged to confiscate the profits of America's Energy Companies. A move that would cripple our capacity to explore/develop additional petroleum reserves; greatly exacerbate our dependence on foreign sources; and, dramatically further increase the price of fuel at the pump.
America has the largest reserves of coal in the world; and, a full 50% of our domestic electrical energy generation is dependent on this resource; and yet, LEFT-WING FRINGE ELEMENTS continuously attempt to restrict the use of these coal reserves; and, to impede attempts to develop technologies/facilities for the gasification of coal. Bill Clinton struck a major blow to America's accessible coal reserves when he unilaterally, over the objection of State officials, placed the Red Hills of Utah with an estimated Four(4) Trillion $s worth of high quality coal assets off-limits. Fearful of mass protests, Clinton wouldn't even go to Utah to announce his heinous restriction; but, rather chose to make his proclamation from the relative security of Arizona. Clinton's actions represented a major financial windfall for his Riady Bros. bankrollers who were in competition with Utah to sell their Indonesian coal holdings to the CHICOM. Ever wonder why Clinton refuses to release the Donor list for his "Foundation"!
Even our Hydro-Electric potential has been brought to a standstill by LEFT-WING FRINGE ELEMENTS over such nonsense as the Snail-Darter. Water resources which could as well now be playing a major role in mitigating the effects of the drought that has recently griped the SouthEast.
Much of the hype over fossil fuels has again been exploited by LEFT-WING FRINGE ELEMENTS over the mythical impact of MAN MADE CO2 emissions on Global Warming. Such proclamations totally disregard the complete lack of correlation between recorded atmospheric CO2 levels and recorded Global temperatures. On Earth as on Mars, where no controversy of Man Made Global Warming factors exist, surface temperature variations precisely track the recorded fluctuations in Solar irradiance. Further, satellite observations, which are NOT influenced by proximity to ground based heat-sources, have confirmed that there has been NO global temperature increase over the last ten years. Ask our self-inflicted dyslexic friend, Al Gore, to explain these recorded contradictions to his Man Made Global Warming hype. The silence is deafening Albert!
Imposition of overly burdensome regulatory criteria and an application morass principally sponsored by LEFT-WING FRINGE ELEMENTS, have made the expense and reduced profitability of investing in additional refinery installations prohibitive. The inevitable result being that a new refinery has not been built in the U.S. since 1976 as corporations have shunned such capital projects creating a restrictive "choke point" in the availability of gasoline products. This "choke point" where refineries are continuously required to operate at peak capacities makes the availability/distribution of refined products within our Nation readily vulnerable to supply disruptions. Further, the dictated multiple blends of gasoline, frequently multiple blends within the same metropolis, have seriously complicated and inflated the time factor in the refinery task.
To be certain, we CAN and we MUST achieve total energy independence; but, our Nation can only extricate ourselves from this self imposed dilemma by a broad-based, comprehensive NATIONAL ENERGY STRATEGY that BLENDS all of the elements of: conservation; major increases in transportation efficiencies, such as increased mileage standards; exploitation of our indigenous petroleum resources; fast-tracking of regulatory criteria; a significant expansion of our refinery facilities; major investments in nuclear energy; supplementation of our electrical grid with solar, wind, geo-thermal, and hydro technologies; and, a major investment in Research and Development to bring a Hydrogen and Fusion based economy to fruition. Unfortunately, to dig ourselves out of this self-created coffin-corner will require TIME. Time which simply means that, in the interim, we must protect our access to unstable Middle East suppliers until we bring our own assets on line. The latter exigency which could readily be scuttled by the Cut-And-Run crowd on Iraq. The regional chaos which would be precipitated by Iran subsequent to a precipitous American withdrawal from Iraq would make the current cost-escalation in energy supplies from the Middle East seem like the Golden Age of Yesteryear by comparison; and, most certainly would induce a much wider conflict/conflagration. The myopia of the Left on these circumstances is astounding. As history has repeatedly taught with grim consequences, PEACE and STABILITY are won only THRU STRENGTH; and, NOT THRU the nebulous psychosis of HOPE.
The ability of a LEFT-WING minority, that has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to whiplash the Democrat Party, to dictate such onerous/debilitating restrictions in the energy sector of the American economy has been made possible ONLY by the passive acceptance of these militant's demands by the more rational majority of the American electorate. The RATIONAL MAJORITY: that believes in the 2nd Amendment to our Constitution; that is proud of our Country; that daily expresses such pride by the furling of an American flag on their property, or the wearing of an American Flag lapel pin on their chest; that proudly places their hand over their heart at the singing of our National Anthem while even shedding a tear or two; that is unashamed to actively recognize the Judeo/Christian heritage of America; that believe that Judges should NOT legislate from the bench; and, that proudly proclaims the unparallel contribution of America to the protection and sustenance of democratic values throughout the pages of world history, as opposed to LEFT-WING FRINGE ELEMENTS that believe America to be the greatest EVIL in the world. As the Pope so eloquently proclaimed on his recent visit to our homeland, "God Bless America".
The task then for the RATIONAL MAJORITY in our Nation is SIMPLY to recognize the SOURCE that sustains and provides the base of support for the LEFT-WING FRINGE ELEMENTS in our society; and, to undertake a decisive role at the ballot box to isolate and relegate these FRINGE ELEMENTS THAT COMPRISE A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THE BASE OF THE DEMOCRAT PARTY to a decibel level that is barely audible. ANY TIME you vote for a Democrat, ANY DEMOCRAT, you're unmistakably multiplying the capacity of these LEFT-WING FRINGE ELEMENTS to continue to promote their radical agenda, and to bring our Nation to its knees. A circumstance that no external power ever could have accomplished.
The ability to restore our Nation's status; and, to sustain this Sacred Land that the RATIONAL MAJORITY so proudly calls AMERICA, resides in your hands at the ballot box.
GREG NEUBECK
The Saturday 10 am meeting was open to all of us, and two of us No voters were, luckily, able to attend at that hour.
At the end of the meeting, the invitations were given to the No voters and I guess I did not feel I had a right to extend the invitation to others.
What I should have done is actually ask if it was open to the public. I did not do that, and I am very sorry. It may have been helpful for all if I had done that. I'm sorry to have contributed to more disappointment in this situation.
But I am convinced they want to do better next time, especially in regard to public perception. And they still have to come up with a sensible plan if they want it to pass.
It really is not all about the size of the gym at all. It is about the here and now and who has to pay for this. It is also about what the district has represented as "required" and what has turned out NOT to be "required" but yet another "nicety." Would these things all be nice to have. You bet ya! However, we have to PAY for them. There is no balanced budget and no budget at all from what it looks like. I still want to know where all of the tax and growth money has gone. Further, do we really need a huge 5 star gym and an auditorium? No. They could be worked into 1 and be VERY nice. So you have to budget time. At least it is there and they have it to use. Life is all about budgets and time management and not spending beyond our means. We have not even paid off the last bond for the same building for goodness sake. Let us just use some common sense here. How are we going to pay for all of this and MAINTAIN it. Come on!
Yes, we all wish that we could have made a Saturday meeting at 10 in the morning but the fact of the matter is that some of us have to work a lot of OT or 2 jobs, which requires us to work on Saturdays.
I am curious about something. Senior Lady, why did you not mention to any of us PRIOR to this top secret meeting with the district that there was going to be such a meeting? Why is it that these things are never made "public" to the public/tax payers? My reasons for voting no, while similar to yours, do not match up 100%. Why is it that these things go on behind closed doors and few know of such thing? I for one am tired of it. Whay is everyone attempting to hide in all of this? If they (the district) really wanted to know why I/we voted no, this meeting would have been made public to the public.
I am sorry that I cannot make it to every hearing/meeting/event in this town but I have to work 2 jobs so that I can still hardly keep my head above water and maybe be able to keep my car. Those are the facts and I am growing or have grown really tired of all the secrets this town keeps. These are the things that make and keep the public skeptical regarding the motives of our elected officials. Way to rebuild the image of the district. Secrets are not good and come out in the end. Third time ought to be very interesting.
To the people at this "secret" meeting...way to rebuild or BUILD the public's trust. You are well on your way to a 3rd failure for this bond if this keeps up. In some forums, such as commissioner's meetings, it is against policy for closed door meetings (depending on the type). What are the regulations being violated with this? Keep it up! It really is all about politics and very little about the kids. I am more and more convinced of this with each passing "meeting."
I wish I could have been there also, my husband was hunting and didn't have anyone to watch my youngest. If there is another meeting I will try to attend that one.
No bashing, small town. Good points as usual, but we differ. Wish you would have come to that Saturday morning meeting--others, too.
For the people who are fighting the size of the gym and the aditoriom because they are not requied please talk to a few of the athletes and drama kids to see if it is needed even though it is not required. I understand wanting to keep prices down and I am all for that but I think you are punishing the kids because of what the district does or doesn't tell you. I am not saying that you don't care about the kids because I know you do I am only asking that you look at this by another point of view, from what I read people are upset because they feel the district lied or didn't tell the whole truth, so because of that you voted no and will continue to vote no. From the way I read it they gave the requirements for the size gym they wanted to build. I hope that people start looking at this as what is most beneficial for all kids, not just on an academic level, we need to consider the needs of the athletes and the artistic kids. I have two kids one academic and one is more into sports, I would like a school that is going to give them both the best oportunity to succeed. Now you can go and bash me and say I just want to spend money that people can't afford because that is probably going to be the one thing is this whole blog that you will concentrate on. But that is not what I am saying at all.
Hi all...to answer your question, Opinion Missy, remember the Saturday meeting we were all invited to? Two No voters went, meeting two Yes voters. One of the Yes voters, who was on the planning committee, invited the two Noes to the wrap-up of the group.
I was scared, but I'm glad I took him up on the invitation.
I'm going to get the gym information and then let all of this rest.
I love this public forum a lot. So many people helped on the school bond thing, and helped when others needed to find a new place to live or to find a lost cat, the information about how the carnival rides people have let event planners down, and everything else...it's wonderful. Even the venting--we all need to do that sometimes. Most of that, even, is okay.
Thanks Senior Lady for the update. I really hope the district will make a better attempt this time at "asking" the public their opinions and "working" with the public. Thanks again for the update and representing the "no" votes at that meeting. How did you find out about that meeting by the way? Did they say when we may vote again on this? Thanks!
I'm not sure what happened with the Elmore County Fair, but I took my daughter to the carnival at Crazy Dayz last night and we had a great time. The location and setup this year is so much better than in the past. Thank you Mountain Home Auto Ranch for making this possible after the event was bumped out of the Railroad Park.
The carnival facts are important and very true. Beau is right. I don't think we'll go either.
I had an interesting experience with a group of people who truly wanted to hear from someone who voted No on the school bond this time. The invitation came out because I attended that meeting last Saturday morning. I wasn't sure what kind of reception I would get, but the general tone was very respectful, and these were the people of the community who planned the proposed high school.
I told them that while the plan was wonderful (the ideal school) the overall cost was the deciding factor for me and would have to be cut down (I honestly would pass a $25 million bond--or a tad more if I was sure the district truly whittled here and cut there); that there was a perception of miscommunication if not mistrust among the public. That there are other important community needs.
Rising building costs were discussed -- valid. Also, to my mind, the not-quite-so-valid suggestion that our kids supposedly need the same type of gym as schools in the west end of the valley, seemingly as a prestige factor.
On the other hand, the needed space for additional gym classes and having enough practice areas to make these things more convenient, was discussed.
Some of the people there thought that having several community meetings in convenient locations during the next planning process would be helpful. I think they may be.
(The gym is still a question: When does a usable gym for classes become a tournament gym? Here's what I received the other day: "The best thing would be to send us your fax number and we will fax you this information. Gyms vary from school to school. admin@idhssaa.org\" My own fax thing is still not going and this is such a crazy week for me I can't seem to find the time to go downtown somewhere and have it done. I don't mind paying for the fax service.)
I feel that sometimes we just can't have what we want. I suggested that the next proposal (and there just has to be one, we know that) show cost breakdowns and comparisons with this recent plan. That there be procedural transparency with the public.
The meeting was congenial and I appreciated that -- even the coaches there were polite as they explained gym needs. Polite but sad, I think.
Voting No was a sad thing for me. I went to the meeting to speak mainly for myself and others who voted No but still want a school bond to pass. The public needs to feels the district is part of the community and will consider all community needs to get the kids something better than they have now, even if it's not that dream school.
Different topic.
Crazee Daze events starts Thursday
The 42nd annual Crazee Daze merchant's promotion will be held this Saturday, May 17.
Most of the events will be held downtown but due to last-minute problems involving Union Pacific Railroad, which owns Railroad Park, the Royal West Amusements Carnival site has been moved from the park to the former Dennis Dillon/Mountain Home Auto Ranch parking lot on Airbase Road. The carnival will be operating Thursday and Friday beginning at 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday beginning at noon.
Royal West Amusements, isn't that the same company that reneged on their agreement to provide their services at the Elmore County Fair last year? I believe that they pulled out at the last minute to do an event in Caldwell leaving the Fair Board with no time to find a replacement carnival provider.
Royal West Amusements will not be getting a dime from me or my family this year.
The size of the gym is not the "only" reason the bond did not pass. It was one of many...like the overall price of $37 million for example. Can we not grasp the fact that had this bond passed and other taxes went up (as they always do) that taxes for this year could have gone up $500.00 plus (for many not ALL) per year. And do not forget that the gym was NOT "required" by the Dept. of Ed as the district said ("standards"). Couple that with the district's all or nothing attitude and the past "facts" and that is why the bond failed. It is not at all about the gym but that is part of it. Let us not forget the almost 5 million dollar auditorium. We did ask for costs---they did not/would not provide them. I guess it is all part of the big plan to keep the ignorant "anti" folks in the dark. Ignorance is bliss you know.
"The 15,200-square-foot project will cost $2.3 million dollars.
The project was financed through U.S. Bank and the funding was acquired through the state general fund.
The new building will provide more storage space, more bathrooms, a new science lab, a video production studio, an enclosed courtyard, a library, four subject areas for the four main subjects the school teaches, Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies (plus an additional area for foundation skills) and an administrative office for the on-line program provided by the school."
To all of the poor sports out there that wanted to spend everyone else's money---McKenna was compared but I believe the point was (and you missed that) what they would build for the money. This school is in our district (even if Mule and Hannah think not) and I am sure that some tax money (from a general fund) did go into its building, as it should (it is in our school district) and the article states that money came from a "general fund."
The "pros" are so quick to spend for a huge gym that was NOT even required by the State Department of Ed as we were told by the district. Would it be nice to have...yes but it is not "required."
To close, the Banter Box is for comments/opinions. If you do not want to hear about the bond anymore, do not read the Banter Box and just vote "yes" again and fall for all of the "facts" that the district provides as true. See where that gets many of you for the 3rd time (it is a charm afterall). Freedom of speech is just great but I guess that is only when people spew what you want to hear. Hmmmmmm.
GET OVER IT! NO WON! AND WE DONT WANT IT TO PASS EITHER. NOT FOR NOW ANYWAY.
people are still going on about the school bond because it is important to the community. They don't want to just rely on the school district but they want to help and this is how they can do it. We discuss ideas and ways to get this to pass next time. I do agree with your veiw on the gym I think it is a need for our sports program and the athletes should be very proud of making it to state, imagine what they could do with updated epuipment.
I Echo the same thoughts.... GET OVER IT! NO WON!
I am amazed at how many people are still going on and on about the school bond. It didn't pass - so forget about it for now. I am sure that the school district is going to look into making it more affordable to get the thing passed, but it will be awhile.
I also find it hard to believe that everyone is so hung up on the size of the gym. There are only 2 schools in our district that don't have competetion style gyms - us & Emmett. It is hard for me to comprehend that a gym is why the bond didn't pass. Sports are important in students lives, and if you don't believe me, stop by the high school this week and take a look at how proud our athletes are who are heading to State this week.
Has anyone consulted with a builder to see how much savings we can expect by taking out items or making them smaller. I am interested in that number. If the savings isn't that much per person not overall bond than why are we fighting it. My fear is now even if we take items out with the way inflation is we are going to end up paying the same amount for a smaller school than if we had passed the bond for a larger school with all the "extra's". If anyone knows a builder can you please ask them how much prices have increased in the past couple of months. Don't get me wrong, I am all for saving money but I am afraid we aren't going to end of doing that.
Please stop comparing what the charter school has done/is doing with the school bond. The charter school is going to cost much less to build, but it is going to have very few students when compared to the high school and those that would be moving to the high school from the junior high. They also won't have several things that the high school will, like a gym. As a matter of fact I believe that their students will use the high school gym, if they choose to play sports. I also believe that some of their money to build and run the school is tax payer money (I don't know the exact details, but that is my belief).
Small Town:
I do not think that any of us want to take the sports out/away from the bond however, we do not need a gym as they have proposed. The gym is NOT a Board of Ed requirement as the district stated and would have liked us to believe. There has got to be a way to get the costs down and emphasis should be placed on "basic" education first and frills (so to speak) second. We could have a nice, new gym at a portion of the cost that will meet the needs now and into the future. The entire plan, not just the gym, needs to be scaled back. And you are correct, children should master class work before they are allowed to participate in sports and maintain a higher average in school. They also should only miss school for sporting events when it is a special event---not for "practice." There has to be a way to get this passed for WAY less money. These are very hard times and the future is unknown at this point. It is time to scale back not spend more and more and create a ton of debt. At some point, all of these bonds have to be paid for/paid off. Look at what McKenna is doing and what other schools in the area have done for less money. Something is wrong with this picture and this plan if we accept this as is. Not that the schools do not need improvement but not at a cost of $37 million. Compromise is going to be the key here and the district WORKING WITH the citizens.
Why would people want to take sports out of our school system. Look at how many of our athletes are going to state competitions, this is a very big deal for them. Sports are an important part of a childs life. They can't do sports with Parks and Rec after a certain age which leaves only organized school sports. Even home school children play sports. It seems that there is better ways to cut down the bond without taking sports out. For the ones who are going to say schools should be only about education not sports all I can say is I think your wrong. Sports teach you so much about life. I do think that any student playing sports should have no grade lower than a B and you should not get out early unless you are traveling to another school for a game but you should have to make up that work.
Here is another way to cut the bond down. Instead of tripeling the size of the votech why not just double the size. I understand needing to make it bigger but I think money can be saved if it is just doubled.
SeniorLady:
I hope that you will be able to get your machine to work or maybe even cut and paste from the info that you got (if it was provided in a format that allows you to do that). I am very interested to see what the info says we should have. Is there a site that a person could go to by chance? Thanks SL for all of your hard work and dedication on this. It is very important that, in the future, our money is spent very wisely as money is going to be very hard to come by for a while (at least it appears that way).
With the price of food, gas, hay, etc. on the rise (and it will only go up from here) it is VERY important that all citizens are considered for the next bond. I know that not everyone will be (can be) happy but it has to be better than what it is/was. It just is not fair to price people, many who have been here for a very long time, out of their homes. We call Mountain Home a "community" but we are really not a "community" if we do not try to come together and do what is best for ALL who live here. We cannot be sure that the economy will come out of this tail spin anytime soon and smart spending needs to be the goal and the end result. We do not want to make taxes so high that people cannot afford to live here or buy here.
Thank you to the people (midea, senior lady, mule, bond_supporter, missylynn, old guy) and all of the others that put the time into doing some research on all of this. I do not think that we have seen the last of this sky high bond stuff yet. We need to be educated consumers if nothing else.
SL--I cannot wait to see what you found out.
I hope that the district will put together a true citizen(s) panel to work on a "new" bond plan and advertise the event well. We should not have to call the district office weekly to obtain information. That just is not practical and does not show good faith. As for the WECRD ground, that should be sold and the money given back to the people that have paid for it, us, the taxpayers. It never should have been purchased without the funds/a grant to build it. That has been a waste of money up till now and they paid too much for the land in the first place. The entire matter is very sad to say the least and needs to be corrected.
Good day all. Off to work.
Wabash, interesting idea about official offices being open on a Saturday. I like that.
highschoolmom, the local hospital has been very good to me and folks I know, even saving lives. The staff I've known are really quite nice and helpful. This is a very large county and it's very convenient to have Elmore here and not have to travel very far. But as I've mentioned before, I won't vote for its next bond proposal if it doesn't provide for more nursing home space.
I used to support the Rec District and now I wonder if its amenities won't be duplicated by other projects in town. I'd love an indoor pool, but I probably wouldn't be able to afford to use it -- you're right, everyone, they will probably charge a high entrance fee. (We can't avail ourselves of Arts Council things either.) So I probably won't vote for it when it comes up.
We'll be rationing our tax dollars for the next school bond, if they come up with a sensible one, and the hospital bond, if it, too, makes sense.
lovemthome, that's a good idea to contact "my" school board member; only recently have I learned how to get to the website. But to tell the truth, I'm afraid I'll just get ignored, as when I emailed the superintendent. In this forum, however, I've discovered I'm not the only one with questions, even doubts, about the recent bond proposal. My eyes were really opened, even if my feelings aren't quite as strong as some others' are. I'm really grateful for this Banter Box. Lots of good people around!
All for now. Another big day tomorrow.
Oh-- if I can figure out how to set up the fax thing on my printer, I can get the details re gyms...the head of the IHSAA emailed me and said there were a lot of kinds of high school gyms. Someone -- Elmore horse lady? -- mentioned something about how nice it would be if the public didn't have to do its own research. I agree. But still, it's good we can do it ourselves, I suppose.
I think City and County Offices that distribute Driver Licenses, License Plates, or any Tax Bills should be required to work one Saturday a month, extending their hours for those people that have to take time off of work to get this business done. Perhaps work three weeks M-F and the fourth T-S. Banks have moved in this direction to help working class people, and so should City and State Offices.
I find it really hard to believe that all of you "NO" voters would even consider passing the bond for the rec district or "kill more memorial". When the rec district first came to our door asking if we would be in favor of it, we were told that our tax money would not be used to make this happen. Boy was I surprised when I got my tax information sheet and low and behold I am paying for dirt. So now they want me to commit to a bond again to build a building - my question is where has all that money gone? And why should I have to pay a membership to something I already paid for with my tax money. And as for the hospital, perhaps they should work on their bed side manners and stop spending all of their extra money on commericals. I think the hospital should be given over to either St. Lukes or St. Als. Maybe then we would get some quality care & knowledgable doctors. Seems then life flight wouldn't have to come to Mtn. Home 3-4 times a day to save someone that they couldn't.
lovemthome
Your post is so hard to read I quit. Do spell check next time.
I was wondering the same thing purple4ky. The website for War Eagle Speedway no longer exists now either...
I haven't seen anything in the MHN since late August about the proposed War Eagle racing complex. Is anything happening? Did the groundbreaking of a racing complex at Boardman, Oregon, knock this one off the radar?
Have any of you people contacted your school board member that you belong to and ask them all these questions or are you just venting out in the blog. I have asked one of the board member if they has been contacted and they haven't. I told them about this blog paged and they are going read it this week.
To the lady with the baby and the pool, I dont want to pay 50.00 a month for you and your daughter to go a pool. If you have a problem with the pool here, have you contact Mr Franks about your concerns for you child safety and what the other bigger kids are doing? I am going to contact that office to see if anyone complained last year or you just venting. If St. Luke's or St. Al's wants to run our hosiptal let them go for it, but dont make the tax payers have to pay a hosiptal bond. We are still paying on the last bond that was to fix everything. The hostpial don't have funds for eqipment but did you see the new clinic the hosiptal just remodeled. We are going to get taxed to death with all these items people want here in Mt home. I have used this hosiptal and so have my family members and we have had terrible service and yes we have talked to the director of the hosiptal and advised him how terrible the service was. Has anyone looking into what the golf course cost the citizens of mt home each year? Many of you have complained about the library charging out of county people but have looked at what the golf course cost the city every year. You would probably be shocked. There is many thing people need to look into that raises out taxes. When we get our tax bills next month I have been told they are going to be higher then last year and that is from the house market that has been booming around here.
A breakdown of all costs would be nice. That way, we can see where/how the money is being spent and how cuts can be made. I want to see it ALL in black and white. That way...down the road when they say they did not spend 8 million on a gym and 5 million on an auditorium, I will have the figures. Truth in lending---truth in spending.
I do not agree that the "facts" presented/represented by the district were a result of miscommunication(s). They have a history of doing this. Time for new people in those offices as well. Truth does go a long was as someone else has stated. I for one am tired of having to check and recheck all that they say. That is NOT the way the district should function. This is why the bond will fail a 3rd time.
I wholeheartedly believe high school sports round out the students' education, and regional sports must be organized, so I was wondering if that's why the Idaho High School Sports Association is pretty important. I emailed the head of it this morning about our questions about the size, etc., required for a 4A school, that the community was seriously concerned about costs.
About something else. I really hesitate to believe that conscious, deliberate lies have been made to us. Certainly there is a seriously grave miscommunication problem: perhaps too hasty, not well-thought-out and researched statements, questions not answered completely, etc.
Answers? Perhaps a lot more awareness of other costly community needs as well...transparency in development of issues...more accuracy in statements...review of public relations skills.
Maybe there was no conscious malevolence, but I guess the result is similar: public distrust right now. Hard feelings, on both sides, which feed on each other.
Which, sadly, is getting in the way of what the real issue is: a school bond is needed, including an improved high school gym situation of some sort (enlarge what's there already? Put off the opponents' building until the future?), and for $20-25 million.
I really have to go now.
Confusion? There was no confusion. The district (McMurtrey that is) stated that it was a State Board of Ed requirement for that gym. That is the reason the school was not able to be a HS. So, why not swap out and make the JRHS a HS and the HS the junior high? They lied and that is that. Why try to cover it up now. This really does not help the cause any. The district needs to come clean with the folks that pay the bills...US, the tax payers. Enough is enough and after all of the lies and BS---many people will be a "no" vote for a third time. Accountability. Just a little accountability.
Senior Lady and IDCOUG,
I found out that the only thing a competition gym has to have is a certain amount of seats available. I believe the amount this gym would seat is 3,000.
There's something called Idaho High School Sports Association...maybe that's where the confusion lies re gym: maybe someone thought it was part of the state board of education and therefore required somehow. I'm checking that out, but this is a busy week for me; I'll do my best.
But even if we track this down, we still don't need a tournament gym, no matter how much we want it.
Good on ya workingbee! I don't think they get it, they just want to spend more and don't really care what it costs us. They forget who is really paying for it! Tax Payers. We'll here news for you socialist, go ahead and I'm willing to put $500 on a VOTE NO campaign.
Workingbee:
How true! Did you read the post about the "regulation" gym that does not have to be because it is not "required" as they (the district) had stated. It just gets better and better as the days go on. Makes one wonder what other "facts" will come out with some more time. Truth at some point in all of this would be nice for a change...very nice.
IDCOUG, I was out of town for a funeral, so I did attend THE MEETING. I have a feeling the school district knows the feelings of the town......... I would hope they read this forum as well.......... I really believe that they should do what the rest of us do..... we would like a larger home, with a lot more, maybe jetted tubs and double ovens..... but you know what WE CAN'T AFFORD IT......... so we don't get it. We do with what we have....no big deal........ I am really sure that this years speeches at graduation do not start with :"if I had gone to an expensive school, I would be a better student, a better person, a better citizen...Ok we need a roof on the school, this is what I do, I cut back on my expenses and I wait until I can afford it........
I personally would like to thank everyone who did show up to the meeting on Saturday. Its good to hear the views of others who voted no.
I think if we could set up a group of people similar to the group in Kuna, it would help the school district and maybe the city council have a better idea of how the community feels.
Hopefully this community and the school district can come to a compromise to do what is best for the current and future students
I was just cathing up on the news for the week here. Did anybody read the article on McKenna Charter school and their new building (this is the school that was reported as not in the district on this blog)? It would appear that their plan is based on education and the plans have, in large part, come from the teahers of English, math and science. It is not based on huge gyms and what hosted events we could do as far as sporting events. What a concept...education. People would vote for that but find the emphasis on sports a bit offensive. Back to the basics maybe?
All who attended Saturday meeting re: bond:
I am sorry that I was not able to attend. I was out of the state on business. I am glad that you were able to get together and talk. I have also talked to many people. The reality of the situation is that people would like to see a bond around 15-20 million (if there must be a bond that is). 25-30 and this may fail for a 3rd time. It does not surprise me about the gym and "regulations" not being true. There are a few 1 room schoolhouses still being used that have far less than what we have and they still educate the kids.
The school district also needs to work on their image and what "truths" they present/represent to the public because the information I got was that they are not truthful (this came from folks that have lived here for 20 plus years). If they choose NOT to work on these issues, the bond will fail again. If people continue to check "facts" regarding this school bond, more "facts" may come to the surface that were not true as well.
I know that many have said to keep the past in the past but these issues need to be dealt with as well because of the image the district has now with the people and will have in the future. The more that comes out on all of this the more that I do not trust the people that run the schools. How can they educate children if they cannot tell the difference between fact and fiction? They should teach honesty and integrity but that is not what is going on. It is no wonder that so many kids are in trouble. You learn from example.
This is just my opinion and the opinion of many others. I work in law with an emphasis on education law and some PR. It is not just the money part of this, at this point, that will make this bond fail and while the past may be the past it needs to be made right. People need to be accountable, the public likes that and should demand that.
Base the bond on education and truth and it will pass.
Thanks SeniorLady for your post. I appreciate the information. I hope this will come together in the end. If help is needed, I am more than willing to help out, just let me know what you need. Thanks.
I believe that EVERYONE should Vote NO on every Bond and maybe the people who support bonds will get tired of wasting tax payers money and move on too better issues like "Tax Cuts" and "Parents Prisons". I will aways Vote NO, I will Never Vote Yes even for a ONE DOLLAR BOND, Not never , ever, its a waste of time even talking about its, its like "what is it about the word NO don't people Get" We Don't want Bonds, it don't matter whats its for, the whole Idea of Bonds makes me sick
If some parent is not willing to drive 30 Minutes to the base pool what would make them think I would want to pay 37 Million dollars for a pool in town. I wish this town could move away from thinking that my money is their tax base and belongs to them and not me too enjoy, I don't believe Tax dollars should be used this way, to give money for people who really don't need it
Senior lady,
I think you have it all covered. I agree that if the bond was in the $20 to $25 mil range, it might be better received. It seems like you and the others are on the right track to try and make corrections in some of the areas that have been identified. I have had other family commitments arise that prevent me from attending meetings. I will have to depend upon this forum for my information.
As for the rec bond and utilizing the pool on base, that is a good idea for anyone that already has access to the base but those that do not are not allowed on base. Just look at why non-military children cannot attend schools on base.
I might recommend that the school board and rec district get together and see where their efforts overlap.
Keep up the great work.
Continuing: (I hit the wrong button before I was finished)
Those who had voted yes reminded all of us that building costs are going up.
One participant this morning will investigate more deeply how Kuna dealt with some similar comumunity issues, and maybe we too can have discussion groups here.
Another participant will inform the school district and board that more transparency of plans and cost breakdowns would be welcome, in addition to coming up with a new, more economical bond proposal.
If I've forgotten anything else, folks, please post them.
I'm glad I went.
Had a pleasant meeting this morning: four of us discussed the recent school bond election. Two had voted yes, two had voted no. We discussed the fact that cost was the primary factor in our voting no, and that downsizing the tournament gym was probably the first way to cut down the cost. A $20-25 million bond would probably have been passed.
According to State Superintendent of Schools Mr. Luna and two others in that office, there are no state requirements for high school gyms.
lovemthome:
I am a military spouse and we have a 15month old daughter. I would love for there to be another pool in mountain home. The base has very, very limited open swim hours and they are usually during a time I cant go. I would love to be able to take my daughter to the pool more often but the drive out to the base doesnt justify the 30-45min (if that) we would spend at the pool. In my opinion the pool in town is way over crowded and the lack of supervision from parents is a shame. When you have little babies in the toddler pool area, the older children shouldnt be allowed in there. They have a bigger pool for a reason!
Sorry--haven't been able to get to the library in a while. Thought there was a coffee bar there, operated by Moxie Java.
About the next hospital bond proposal, if they have reconsidered the nursing home aspect, I just may go for it this time. I'll find out, however, and will not vote blindly.
Lately I have really appreciated having a lot of major tests done there, for both St Al's and St Luke's, that I didn't have to go to Boise for, appointments made at doctors' requests through the Boise hospitals.
And my cardiologist, who has offices in Boise, comes to Mtn Home, also saving me a trip. (I don't drive on the freeway any more.)
By the way, every civilian hospital I've ever known requested payment for services first, including the emergency room. Just like doctors and dentists.
Wow.. lots has happen this week. Hope everyone is going to be this way "get all facts" when the hosiptal and rec bond comes up. Funny how so many of you are worried about paying extra taxes on a school bond, but your already paying on a rec bond for the last 6-8 year with nothing to show for it but some dirt. Nobody was throwing a fit when they took the OUR tax money and brought land that was 4 times what land was valued at. So now are you folks going to speak up at the bond information night? YOu going to let the hosiptal bond pass when most people here in town dont even use it plus we are already paying on this from the last bond taht was suppose to fix all the problems we had then to, just like the school bond. There is lots of tax money that is wasted in many other places. Did you know that the rec center will have a weight room. Do we need that where we have locals who owned fitness business. We complain that mt home doesnt have enough buisness downtown well that could close two. Then there is two pools. How many people use the base pool do we need two pools? Can we make two pools pay for themselves? Has the rec board checked with other cities or centers or even our own local recreation director to see how the city pool ends each year in money wise either red or black? Or check with the base to see if that pool makes money.
The city doesn't compete with buisness so why should the rec district be allowed to. Plus many of you think once this is built or ever built that it is free. It will not be free, you will till have to paid a fee to enter even thou you pay thru you taxes. So is anyone forming a committee to start a signuture campaign to get in on the ballot to get it off our taxes. You want to do something about your property taxes and save money, now I have given you a new adventure to start and save money. Then there is the hosiptal bond. How many of you really use the hosiptal here. If you go there at night 90% of the people waiting for the emergency room is welfare or hispanics. You really think they pay for their services. There is now a new sign at the front desk when you check in that payment is due at the moment before you recieve your service. No wonder the emergency room is full at night to by pass all the questions of "paying first".
Those of you who voted against the school bond, you also voted against new books, new computers, and maintance of buildings. Why don't you check and see how much money teachers have to use of there own money to by supplies. I know teachers who have to buy supplies so the kids can make it thru the end of the year. Also for some of you have have some of the school information mixed up. the schools that closed on base was 1 school that housed grades 4-6 and the jr high 7-9. the high school has always been bused to town. And also there is now not a moxie at the library. So it showing many of you don't get out and see what happen in this small town as you all say. And it makes you wonder how many of you went to school here and how full the high school was back in those years.
That's wonderful, small town. I look forward to seeing you there.
I will do my best to be there. I was a yes vote but I think in order to get this passed we need to work on some things.
I hope others come Saturday 5/10, at Moxie Java's downtown, 10 a.m. We'll be able to give IDCOUG the reasons we didn't vote for the bond. It's neutral territory. I can report back to the Banter Box and others can too, for those who couldn't come.
For me, the overall size, the unnecessary tournament gym, and the overall cost were the deal breakers.
Other things we can tell IDCOUG?
IDCOUG, Yes, the one downtown by the post office is the most logical. That's just fine. See you there.
SeniorLady,
My plan was the one down town. If you know of a better place let me know. I figured it would be the easiest for the most amount of people.
Dear IDCOUG,
Moxie Java's by the post office? (There are two others, one inside the library and one in front of the BX.)
10 is a good time.
I'm sure we'll find each other -- I'm an elderly woman, quite plump.
As you said wabash, this isn't email.
All three of the remaining presidential candidates are on record!
A list of the idiots in Washington.
Subject:WHAT COSTS MORE PER YEAR THAN THE IRAQ WAR???
Be sure to read the 14 reasons at the bottom.
Social Security Change For 2008
The United States Senate voted to extend Social Security Benefits to Illegal Aliens beginning in 2008. The following are the senators who voted to give illegal aliens Social Security benefits. They are grouped
by home state. If a state is not listed, there was no voting representative.
Alaska : Stevens (R)
Arizona : McCain (R)
Arkansas : Lincoln (D) Pryor (D)
California : Boxer (D) Feinstein (D)
Colorado : Salazar (D)
Connecticut : Dodd (D) Lieberman (D)
Delaware : Biden (D) Carper (D)
Florida : Martinez (R)
Hawaii : Akaka (D) Inouye (D)
Illinois : Durbin (D) Obama (D)
Indiana : Bayh (D) Lugar (R)
Iowa : Harkin (D)
Kansas : Brownback (R)
Louisiana : Landrieu (D)
Maryland : Mikulski (D) Sarbanes (D)
Massachusetts : Kennedy (D) Kerry (D)
Montana : Baucus (D)
Nebraska : Hagel (R)
Nevada : Reid (D)
New Jersey : Lautenberg (D) Menendez (D)
New Mexico : Bingaman (D)
New York : Clinton (D) Schumer (D)
North Dakota : Dorgan (D)
Ohio : DeWine (R) Voinovich(R)
Oregon : Wyden (D)
Pennsylvania : Specter (R)
Rhode Island : Chafee (R) Reed (D)
South Carolina : Graham (R)
South Dakota : Johnson (D)
Vermont : Jeffords (I) Leahy (D)
Washington : Cantwell (D) Murray (D)
West Virginia : Rockefeller (D), by Not Voting
Wisconsin : Feingold (D) Kohl (D)
http://rense.com/general79/seniors.htm
I hope the following 14 reasons are forwarded over and over again until
they are read so many times that the reader gets sick of reading them. I have included the URL's for verification of the following facts:
1. $11 Billion to $22 billion is spent on welfare to illegal aliens each year. http://tinyurl.com/zob77
2. $2.2 Billion dollars a year is spent on food assistance programs such as food stamps, WIC, and free school lunches for illegal aliens.
http://www.cis.org/articles/2004/fiscalexec.html
3. $2.5 Billion dollars a year is spent on Medicaid for illegal aliens.
http://www.cis.org/articles/2004/fiscalexec.html
4. $12 Billion dollars a year is spent on primary and secondary school education for children here illegally and they cannot speak a word of English! http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt...
5. $17 Billion dollars a year is spent for education for the American-born children of illegal aliens, known as anchor babies.
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt...
6. $3 Million Dollars a DAY is spent to incarcerate illegal aliens.
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt...
7. 30% percent of all Federal Prison inmates are illegal aliens.
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt...
8. $90 Billion Dollars a year is spent on illegal aliens for Welfare and Social Services by the American taxpayers.
http://premium.cnn.com/TRANSCIPTS/0610/29/ldt.01.h...
9. $200 Billion Dollars a year in suppressed American wages are caused by the illegal aliens.
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt...
10. The illegal aliens in the United States have a crime rate that's two-and-a-half times that of white non-illegal aliens. In particular, their children, are going to make a huge additional crime problem in the US. http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0606/12/ldt...
11. During the year of 2005 there were 4 to 10 MILLION illegal aliens that crossed our Southern Border also, as many as 19,500 illegal aliens from Terrorist Countries. Millions of pounds of drugs, cocaine, meth,heroin and marijuana,crossed into the U.S.from the Southern border.
Homeland Security Report. http://tinyurl.com/t9sht
12. The National Policy Institute, estimated that the total cost of mass deportation would be between $206 and $230 billion or an average cost of between $41 and $46 billion annually over a five year period.
http://www.nationalpolicyinstitute.org/pdf/deporta...
13. In 2006 illegal aliens sent home $45 BILLION in remittances back to their countries of origin.
http://www.rense.com/general75/niht.htm
14. "The Dark Side of Illegal Immigration: Nearly One Million Sex Crimes Committed by Illegal Immigrants In The United States ".
http://www.drdsk.com/articleshtml
Total cost is a whooping... $338.3 BILLION A YEAR!!!
THE ENTIRE POPULATION OF THE UNITED STATES
NEEDS TO KNOW THIS INFORMATION, UNLESS THEY DON'T MIND SHARING THEIR SOCIAL SECURITY WITH FOREIGN WORKERS who didn't pay in a dime.
LET US SHOW OUR LEADERS IN WASHINGTON
"PEOPLE POWER" AND THE POWER OF THE INTERNET. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU ARE REPUBLICAN, DEMOCRAT OR INDEPENDENT! KEEP IT GOING!!!!
This isn't email! It's the banter box...
I suppose I can do that, take our ideas and bring info back...So,
1. Gym -- tournament-capable not economical, so downsize it. I would be very proud to be able to host tournaments but it is frankly out of the question to have this gym. This seems to be purely a "prestige" thing. There are quite enough venues for all kinds of tournaments in southern Idaho. The trickle-down theory of the tournaments helping the local economy is not logical. Even if all the proceeds of tournaments -- motels, shopping, meals, etc. -- were given directly to pay off the bond, the dream gym would still take decades to pay off. The facility for visiting teams, which is a good idea, can be downsized as well, or wait.
2. Use economical methods of building and dividing classrooms -- see article re new Elks building.
3. Downsize auditorium, and/or do it in stages.
This adjustment of the bond proposal would make me vote for it next time, it several million dollars can be trimmed off.
What have I forgotten?
Missylyn:
I don't know if you are still looking for a place to rent but I just heard of a house for rent on 7th street by the hospital.
I think the Lady is right. Truce for now and let's work on some negotiations. Hopefully the school board listen.
We had some good ideas in this blog, so I don't see what the harm there is in having IDCOUG present them, or anyone else for that matter. We need someone to go to the table. If the schoolboard doesn't make some changes, we/I can always vote no again. But I would rather us 'no' voters take the high road and be constructive rather than destructive. I have to admit, it's easy to complain and say no to someone else's plan, even if the complaints are legit. It's a much harder task to try and come up with a viable option that pleases most everyone AND within a budget.
Senior lady, are you going to take notes and bring up the stuff in the blog at Moxie? I have to work, but I'm going to ask a friend of mine to go for me if she can.
Senior Lady
I was thinking Moxie's at 10am on Sat, or I can do it later/earlier if you need to. I am pretty open since I have this weekend off and I thought it would be a good time to meet while ideas are still fresh.
ElmoreHorseLady
As far as me being a "member" of the school board not even close. I live on the east side of Hwy 51 which is Zone 4 and Jo Gridley is my board rep. You can see who the reps are it's on the school districts web page.
In regards to how I found out about the meeting, I guess a couple ways is the right answer. Since I try to regularly attend PTT meetings at West Elementary I heard the school board may try to run another bond. I then called the school district was told about the January meeting and went. No secrets, no inside knowledge, not a employee of the school district, just a concerned parent.
*******
If the school district meeting is open to public I'm sure it will be announced to the public. I called Mr. McMurtrey after the bond failed and asked if we would have an after actions meeting to wrap things up. I was told we would in the next couple of weeks. I saw a lot of people blogging on here shortly after the bond failed about why it failed. As much as it bothered me these ideas were not brought up months before. There were still some good ideas that may/will help in the future.
All I'm trying to do by organizing this meeting, is give people who might not want to attend or can't attend the district meeting, a chance to voice their opinion. In my opinion having someone bring the ideas of the community, or people bringing there ideas to the district, will carry a lot more weight then faceless bloggers expressing there opinion/ideas on the internet.
For whatever reason, I had no knowledge of previous chances for public imput...so I'm thinking it was a combination of my not noticing something about it in the paper and their not getting my attention in other ways.
In any event, since it turns out I probably don't have to work Saturday after all, I'm going to take advantage of this opportunity and speak to this IDCOUG. I don't think I need to be at any official meeting of the committee -- there are perhaps some tender feelings on all sides... This is much more the easier way for me, and maybe this is the most positive way possible to make progress right now.
Recriminations on either side are absolutely NOT practical. We still have to get the new 4-yr high school completed and the roof on the old one replaced. Lot's of us had good suggestions, and we've been asked to repeat them. Don't hold back now.
Time for a truce and progress on the schools.
This is who will represent the people/citizens before the school board? No thanks. He/she is probably a member. He/she never did tell us how the "people" were notified about the meeting(s) in January. We do not need someone to speak for us at a non-public meeting. We do not need "help" like this person is so willing to offer. Just my opinion.
"As someone who sat on the bond committee I have to ask,
"Where were all of you at in January when the 1st meeting was held?"
I understand since I moved back to Mt Home 2 years ago, I might have been at an advantage to finding out about this secret meeting but all you have to do is ASK, its that easy. At the meeting in January we had representation from business owners, school teachers, common folk, senior citizens and school district management and the question was asked what changes do we need to make to the bond. The senior citizens who were there said nothing needs to change. The school district people who were there said nothing needed to change and the common folk who were there said nothing needed to changed.
Maybe if all the people who are now on here saying,
"Why didn't they ask us?"
would of been there at the 1st meeting our bond would of passed.
Take an active roll in the community, spend more time making phone calls and asking questions and not just sitting at the computer making complaints. The school bond committee was more than happy to listen to input. It was my 1st time at any school district meeting and they listened to what I had to say. I hope for our kids sake the school district is willing to try another bond, but why should they?? Two bonds in a row don't pass, I believe the people who do take an active roll in Mt. Home have spoken . If you don't like something or think there is a problem, fix it or take and active part in fixing it. Don't expect other people to do it, if you won't even stand up for what you believe."
-- Posted by IDCOUG on Thu, May 1, 2008, at 8:58 PM
Small Town:
I wanted to make it very clear that in no way do I blame the Military Personnel for the high rates of rent. That is not what I meant at all and if that is the way it came across I apologize. I think that the property managers are goughing all of us if you want to know the truth.
And that is what I think stinks. But it is not the fault of the Military.
Just wanted to clear that up
Is it possible to attend this meeting, I would rather do that than just have our ideas presented.
Where and when? I may have to work.
The school bond committee should have one last meeting to wrap everything up. I would like to take all the ideas/comments people had on why the bond failed or what it would of taken to pass to the meeting. I know there were a few people on here who had some ideas. Would those of you who did/do have some ideas or comments like to get together Saturday morning so I can take your ideas/comments to the meeting
Wabash:
You had some valid points. You are entitled to your opinion. I do not disagree with you on some levels. It is nice to see that you can think in an individual sort of way. Keep it up Wabash. It is rather refreshing.
Elmorehorselady, your exactly right! I don't mean to sound down on teachers, I have a lot of respect for them. I just like to keep things in perspective. Best Regards Teachers.... Lets find a new topic!
I forgot a few things. Most teachers do have help in the classroom and aides do a lot of work. Teachers are not "alone" in a class to do all of the work. Most teachers also have "free" periods in the day to get work done so that it does not have to be done at home. I do not have help with my job like this. If I do not get things done, I am at work until my work is done. There is not another body to task things to.
Teachers do put up with some things in the class that are NOT acceptable however, that is up to the teacher, the administration and the parents to take care of (together---not that the schools do day care so parents do not have to "deal" with problems). If the administration does not draw the lines then they get what they get with only themselves to blame (ie the opinion letter this week from the MHJHS student). In many cases the school allows bad behavior/unacceptable behavior and that is why we have the problems that we have. They are afraid to be sued and in return do very little to take care of the problems.
Teachers are not alone. They have it better in many cases than others of us on the outside. I do not have a union that protects me if a problem comes up. Could the pay be better...probably but mine could be better as well for the hours I put in and the amount of work that I have to do to stay employed. That is life.
Teachers, if they elect to do so, do get paid all 12 months. To do this, they take a portion of their monthly pay and have it "saved" for summer months. This is how they are paid for year round service.
As far as good and bad teachers, you have that in all areas of employment. Many of the teachers here do not "care" but many do and are very gifted teachers. It is a choice to teach just like any other career. I do agree that there are some teachers out there that really should not be teaching anymore.
Our district does need to operate on a budget. When we, the people, are not able to pay our bills, we do not have the luxury of obtaining a bond. There does need to be a budget and we, the tax payers have a right to know how the money is spent. Bond after bond is NOT the answer. The sky is not the limit and at some point the budget needs to be balanced with spending.
I knew I was digging in a little. However, I know some of these teachers also. I also remember when teachers used to actually plan their lessons, and spend their evenings grading. However today their unions have forced school districts to hire "Duties" to do most of the after hours work. And I am glad to see their time off is figured into their salary. When you work less, you make less. It's simple Math! I think they are paid about right. If they want more they should chose another profession. "Small Town" mentioned earlier a full 8 hour day! It's not like that in the real world today. Our average working days are longer, much longer. As a manager, I am expected to do more and make the sacrifice. I've read the pandering across several pages and it appears educators are ticked because they didn't win the vote. Sometimes difficult choices need to be made. VOTING NO didn't harm our children, and it in no way should mean that people lose their jobs or the children should get less of an education. I don't see the great teaching examples you are claiming. I'm willing to compare who you know with those who I know. I'm sure we both can give examples of both sides. I am merely stating that I think it's about right. State and Local governments need to use better discretion with regards to their budgets before asking me to pay more. They need to stop using bonds to make us pay more in taxes. If you want more money put it in a budget, and live by it. When the money runs out, use the same practices that any responsible adult would do, and quit spending. Don't put us in further debt. Regards Pooh, Senior Lady and Small Town...
I agree with Pooh and Senior Lady, you are way off base, if a teacher goes to work at 7 and home by 430 that is a full 8 hour day. They get summers off without pay, holidays are figured in their pay. Teachers put up with a lot from kids now. Watch the news at how many teachers are assulted by students and parents they more than earn the money the make and most deserve more. Go spend a day at a school and then say they don't earn their pay.
I agree with Pooh. The teachers I had in my youth and the teachers out sons were blessed with and the teachers I know now are all unbelievably wonderful in their vocation.
The pay of Mtn Home teachers, police officers, and fire staff are the ONLY areas where I feel we need to compete with the Treasure Valley and even the rest of the country. For one thing, we need to keep them here. But most importantly, they deserve it.
Ok Wabash you went over the line with me with what you said. The teachers I know put in longer hours than what you have posted. Did you count the hours after work, on the weekend that they are doing lesson planning and correcting papers. The summers are spent going to school to keep certified so they can teach the next school year. Some of them also work second jobs to make ends meet. Idaho is one of the lowest pay in the nation for teacher pay. We rank toward the bottem of the 50 states.
I'm tired of hearing teachers complain about their salaries. I've been around the block! Most of you go to work around 7 and get home before 4:30. You get more holidays off than any real working class folks. When there aren't enough holidays you create additional days to send the kids home. You get summers off, and additional time on major holidays. If you want more money than work for it! Most people get up and work all day and someone else determines when to the work stops. They don't get the extra time off for holidays and summer. These are the people who work and pay taxes so that you get paid and time-off. Quit complaining about what taxpayers aren't willing to pay for or give you. If you want additional space than manage your resources better, and change your schedules to show us your willing to earn it. Start implementing meaningful learning, and stop making excuses like you need more buildings. Personally I think that most of you would fail to make it in the real world, because you couldn't handle the real work, with real people, in real working schedules, and being told what to do... I don't understand why you have to make us feel like we fail you, because we didn't agree with going into debt for additional building space. Times are changing, and our dollars are streched because of the economy. We not only pay more at the pumps and stores, but government is taking more as well. The decision to VOTE NO was good for tax payers. Regards......
What is being done about the Rec center money? Why are we still paying for land for a Center that we can't afford? This really blows my mind that we are in major need of fixing the schools and roads and that money is being wasted,there has to be a way to stop this abuse of our hard earned money. Does anyone notice all the little patch jobs on the holes in the roads that come out days after "being fixed" and how much do we pay the folks that paint the lines on the roads? Way too much I believe,the squiggly,crooked lines they put on the roads my children could do better. The money wer'e paying every day for this crap should be spent on paving New roads.
I've made enough mistakes in judgment in my years...I surely hate to be reminded about them too often. Maybe we need to declare at least a temporary truce with the school board.
Hannah spoke to that. There's work to do ahead of us. What next?
So, once again...where are our tax dollars going? There is supposed to be a fund for repairs/upkeep (according to McMurtrey). Those funds are supposed to be different than the books, erasers, workbooks, etc. (or classroom items). Where is all of the money?
It surely is not in the teachers' pockets. Does anybody know what the admin. people (McMurtrey and Johnson) and school board members make per year? That could prove to be interesting.
How is it that the district has not saved a single dime for a rainy day (which it would appear is today/now)? The fact remains that this roof has been bad for 13 or so years. Buildings require upkeep---surely someone realized a roof, plumbing or some electrical would need repairs. We do this on any other building in this county including most of our own homes. The people in charge, it would appear, do not manage money at all and now we are under contract for a roof BEFORE the monies for said roof were obtained? I guess they decided after their meeting in January on the bond that they had it. Now, we will rob from Peter to pay Paul. Come on! When will it end?
Old guy,
No attacking, just an explanation from what I have heard...Engineers came in and said that the roof has to go. I don't know why they didn't explain it better, but they didn't. I believe they were planning for the roof with the bond. (Hard to plan for a roof failing sometimes) Since it didn't pass...plan B, as explained earlier.
Mule,
I understand that but take a look at the minutes from the districts own meetings about the bond. No where in the approved minutes does it state that any portion of the $37 Mil is for the roof at the current MHHS. Also no where in the records does the district address where they will come up with the $1.5 Mil for the roof. I am just saying that seems odd to me to contract to spend money that they are not sure where it is coming from. And before I get attacked, I am just looking over the information that the district puts out and going from there. I would love to see both schools be improved for the children but we have to do this with some sort of common sense and planning.
Oldguy...the roof has to be done. If the bond passed the money would have come from there. Since it didn't it is coming from other sources, as I explained in the post before this one.
Regarding the $1.5 million for the roof…that money will come from funds from which we get computers, textbooks, and for general items in our respective departments (replacement projector bulbs, workbooks, markers, erasers, etc.). For two years no one will receive any textbooks, workbooks, computers, etc., or so I've been told.
Wow, I finally had some free time to look over the school district web site. If one looks close enough, you can find that the trustees approved spending about $1.4 million on replacing the roof at the high school. Now the hard part to swallow is they did this on 12 Feb 2008 and if my old mind serves me correctly, wasn't this part of the bond? Did they not say they needed the money to replace this aging roof? How can they approve to spend money they don't have and why did they not come forward and say they already contracted to have the work start on 3 June?
I would give you the web site but we ar enot allowed to on this blog.
This makes me very leary of anything that they say and you can bet I will take it all with a grain of salt.
You are correct. That is why I asked people to read that article. The Elks do NOT want to go into debt for the building/fixtures, etc. They have also made changes to the "original" plan which has ended up as a savings to them (it sounded like they thought it was going to be more expensive to make the changes). Anyway, they said they will have to do fundraisers to raise money for some things but they do not want to go into debt for the building or anything in it. I thought that was very smart of them. They provide a service to the community and could have built a larger building and passed it on to the patrons but they have made the CHOICE not to do this. They care what the community thinks and what their members think. See a pattern here?
I think I've seen the city council meeting on Wednesdays...
Many thanks to those who sent their thanks and kudos to us for our producer who filmed the public hearing and the station for airing it. Camera 8 is a lot more than many people realize and we are here for our community. We do plan to have a producer that will cover any other public hearings so that we can help get the word to those not able to attend, etc.
Also, we have a wonderful husband and wife team who film, edit and produce the video from the City Council meeting each month which is aired on the Tuesday following. Imagine the time they put in, at least 3 hours of filming and then several hours of editing so that this can be broadcast 24 hours after taking place. If you attend a City Council meeting, go up to this couple and say hello, they are always willing to answer questions about Camera 8.
I know I have said this before but it is so important to hear, we truly are the voice of the people, for the people and by the people. You are our community and we are looking forward to many more years serving you.
I scanned the article just now; I didn't read it before as we are not members...
But it is an additional venue for things, I had forgotten.
Seems like they're going to build intelligently: the building will be both economically constructed and versatile in use.
Is that what you meant?
Please read the article about the Elk's Lodge that is going to be rebuilt. It is interesting.
Hannah, you are so right.
Some of what I'm saying may sound sarcastic, but it isn't.
At the school district website, under "contacts" is Mr McMurtrey's name as Superintendent, and other names as well. That's how I emailed him before. I thought recently that he and the others at "contacts" were the district officers.
But the elected board itself is
Jim Alexander Zone 5, Chair
Jo Gridley Zone 4, Vice Chair
Tom Rodney Zone 3
Luise House Zone 2
Toni Reynolds Zone 1.
(The map of the zones is available at the site as well.)
I'm ashamed to say I had forgotten about the five school board trustees, thought they were the "district."
But now I recall some years back there was a school board election once that I wasn't allowed to vote at because I was in another zone. So now, with the map -- which I actually saw in the paper once but it wasn't clear -- I know I'm in Zone 5. We each elect only one of the folks on the board. I'm not sure how the board's officers are determined.
I'm confused about their terms. Please forgive me, but I am. According to the site, folks whose terms ended years ago have "served" since years earlier? I will be the first to admit that my mind does not work as well as it used to, so I am really confused. Going to the site for information hasn't really helped.
If the school board supervised or proposed the recent bond, why was Mr Mc Murtrey their spokeperson? Is he their employee? Was the formation of the bond proposal delegated? By whom, to whom?
I really am ignorant here. Someone please help.
Froggy,
I spoke with Mr. McMurtrey and he stated that the decision has not been made yet, by the School Board, to try and pass another bond. I also called and sent an email to a lady in Kuna that is involved with Kuna ACT. I have not heard anything back from her. I have a friend here in Mountain Home who knows some people in Kuna. She is going to talk to them as well.
One other thought for all. If we do go forward with a community forum to pass another bond, we all need to put everything that has been said, in the past. We have to move forward with clear thoughts and an open mind to make this successful.
IDCOUG:
If all of the people at that meeting stated that "nothing needed to change/be changed" and they listened to what you "had to say"...what did you feel needed to change? Just a question because this plan was the same plan as last time that FAILED and the only change this round was the price! So, what did you add to that meeting where everybody, including seniors and common folks said all was well? It would seem that they may not have listened to you as well as you think!
IDCOUG brings up some good points. Here's my POV:
Well, first of all, I didn't know there were meetings. Honestly, if I had know there are meetings though, I'm not sure I would have gone at the time. One, because of my job, two, because of my second job, three, I have an activity which I am involved in the community. I guess I figured 'others' in the community who know more about schools and bonds would be involved. And I (wrongly) assumed if the first bond didn't pass, that the school would have done some of the things this blog is suggesting, instead of trying to push the same old bond that had not passed before.
Yeah, maybe we all should have been more involved. Maybe if the economy was better, you would have gotten more yes votes.
Maybe if I hadn't read the article about the Kuna School district, I might not think that a community could get involved either. Guess we can't change the past, but can maybe work on improving the future???
IDCOUG:
First of all, we do care what goes on. How was the meeting in January announced to the public? Was it at 2:00 in the afternoon or while many could have been working? That was something that Mr. McMurtrey said he was not sure about. I read the Public Hearing Notices, etc. in the paper but must have missed that one. Guess they COULD have put a blip on the front page but that just is not how things go. I am sorry that I can't keep my hand on the pulse of this community 100% (as much as I try) of the time but I do care what goes on. That working 2 jobs gets in the way (sometimes) of being able to check on every move that the politicians make in this town. If they really wanted input, they would have made darn sure a good portion of the community knew about the meeting. Did the Editor of this paper do an editorial? Pretty sure not.
For your information, we did try to talk to the district about this as soon as we found out what was going on. We were told that they were going through with the bond as it was. You cannot get a response when you email the district or you get part of a response with a promise of follow-up information at a later time. However, you never get the information. Call the district and either nobody calls you back or the person you talk to does not have the info and will "need to get back to you." That never happens either. Well, my feeling is this; if you attempted to pass a bond for LESS money less than one (1) year prior and it failed/did not pass, why try to pass the SAME plan again for more money in a worse economy? That in itself is not very smart. The public spoke that time but nobody could (or wanted to) hear us. It has always been all or nothing regarding the school district and some of us are tired of it. We have yet to figure out where the school tax money goes. The high school has needed a portion of the roof replaced for 10 years and it has YET to be done yet this falls under maintaining/upkeep. What is wrong with this picture????????
I do believe that we got the word out just fine on this matter (on this blog and with Letters to the Editor) for a bunch of folks that do not care and apparently had better things to do, in your eyes. The people and community have spoken...the bond did not pass. Where you at the public meetings that were held recently? We asked for those for about 4 weeks (maybe longer) before they would hold one of those. If you were there and missed it Mr. McMurtrey stated that they would not postpone the bond election because the ballots were already printed and it was "too late." That was funny because Ada County employees (with a larger population) worked on a Saturday to change ballots because some people listed on the ballots were no longer in the election. If that could be done in Ada County, surely we could have changed 2,400 or so ballots (to vote at a later date) to BE SURE that the bond plan worked for most of the community. Nope. It was all or nothing and nothing is just what WE/the kids got. Not my fault or the fault of the "anti" folks. We told them that we would vote "no." They CHOSE not to listen because they figured they had it in the bag since it was lost by under 80 votes the last time. Well, the people have spoken.
So, do you want to be a part of the solution or sit at your computer and complain? We may have missed the boat in January for the "meeting" but we went to the others that were held. Some of us are just tired of endless taxes with not much to show for it in the end. Money is hard to come by these days and I prefer to be smart in my spending.
We have tried (post bond) to get a meeting with the district. They do not seem to want to talk to us. I guess we will go for a 3rd time with the same building plans for yet more money so it can fail to pass yet again. And you say that I/we do not care? It amazes me that none of the "pro" bond people or teachers on this blog have stated that they knew of this "meeting" in January. Interesting but not a surprise.
Sorry, Mr McMurtrey, I misspelled your name before. I seem to have a problem with Mr Everitt's name too once in a while. I could blame it on old fingers on the keyboard but it's probably just carelessness. I do apologize (which means I will try very hard not to do it again).
IDCOUG
We did take an active roll. We voted! I put in 11 hour days, almost two hours of it is behind the wheel of my car driving to Boise and back. Why! Because I like living in Mtn. Home, I like the values of the people of Mountain Home. We who cannot be at every meeting or every coffee are still apart of this community. That is why the turnout was heavy for this bond, please do not think that those of us that have voted no don't believe in our kids........ We just know our limits.....We know the limits that we can give. This has nothing to do with depriving our children of an education. Educators have taught in schools where the norm was one room, heck look at the school at Pine. This has bond really had to do with keeping up with the Jones, and those Jones just happen to be Boise, Kuna and Meridian......... I am not up to keeping up with the Jones, but I am up to keeping up the Pines........
You are absolutely right. We have often wondered how to find out about meetings as there hasn't been ENOUGH publicity in the right places. And we do read the paper.
Only recently when the bloggers provided information about a public forum and while at a meeting Mr Mc Murtry gave the website address did we have anything to go on. But I for one --there is at least one more person I know of -- have received no answer to an email, so that doesn't always work either.
When at least one person called the district office, the person there had no idea if or when or where there would be a public forum. It was frustrating.
Recently the paper has put public hearings and forums on the front page and that has really helped. That is a real public service.
Please join us in this renewed attempt to get the right bond passed, even if you are absolutely exhausted and frustrated yourself. Check out the Banter Box regularly.
As someone who sat on the bond committee I have to ask,
"Where were all of you at in January when the 1st meeting was held?"
I understand since I moved back to Mt Home 2 years ago, I might have been at an advantage to finding out about this secret meeting but all you have to do is ASK, its that easy. At the meeting in January we had representation from business owners, school teachers, common folk, senior citizens and school district management and the question was asked what changes do we need to make to the bond. The senior citizens who were there said nothing needs to change. The school district people who were there said nothing needed to change and the common folk who were there said nothing needed to changed.
Maybe if all the people who are now on here saying,
"Why didn't they ask us?"
would of been there at the 1st meeting our bond would of passed.
Take an active roll in the community, spend more time making phone calls and asking questions and not just sitting at the computer making complaints. The school bond committee was more than happy to listen to input. It was my 1st time at any school district meeting and they listened to what I had to say. I hope for our kids sake the school district is willing to try another bond, but why should they?? Two bonds in a row don't pass, I believe the people who do take an active roll in Mt. Home have spoken . If you don't like something or think there is a problem, fix it or take and active part in fixing it. Don't expect other people to do it, if you won't even stand up for what you believe.
Good points opinion missy:
Has also crossed my mind if be a bit cheaper for a one story building, 2 stories require more of a foundation and the first story walls to carry the second story. I also know what you mean by less cost for materials but like ya say not cheap if its going to last. From what I have seen that is one fancy parking lot with what the pictures have shown by someones view of what it should look like. I also made the same point back before the bond ballot how much of this work going to be done by Idaho workers and keep the money here instead of going out of State, with the housing being so bad right now the boom has stopped and has to be a number of contruction workers out of work. It all looks like now we wait to see if the District is going to deal with the public or just go their own way and let all this opinions that have been left here fall by the way side sure hope that doesn't happen how many times can you shot yourself in the foot and still get around but just one opinion here surely would like to see everyone work together and get the job done without it costing an arm and a leg if we can't I will still vote no if there be no give and take
One would think that the district would be more than willing to work with us as the voters and the community. If it really is about the kids and education, they will take this chance. If not, I guess it really is all about the politics and some change will be needed there as well.
I wonder if they went with materials that are the most cost effective (I do not mean cheap) or did they go with what will look best now but need repairs in 5 years (paint, stone repair, etc)? The materials should be able to stand the test of time. I would also hope that the roofing materials as well would stand the test of time so that a bond is not needed to maintain/keep up the school. If they do more areas with "floating walls" that should also keep costs down and be more multi-purpose. Also, would all one level be better for cost? It would be better for kids that are disabled for sure. This school should also be built so that it is easy to "add" on to or remodel just in case that is needed 25-30 years down the road (just a number). Also, can the parking lot be finished at another date to save some money? Maybe some of our tax money (not for the bond) needs to go to that. I would also hope that any trees and/or shrubs on location now would be recycled back to the "new" building and less grass areas are used (due to our water issues). I would hope that anything that can be recycled in this project would be.
They have told us that the design is "no frills" but how true is that statement? Design people like what they like and tend to have favorite materials but other materials could also work that may not have been used in their design.
Spaces that can do double duty if need be is a good idead both for now and the future. I know that sports may conflict with drama/choir but if the gym could also be the auditorium that would save on both ends. If this is really all about education, they will figure the schedules out.
I really hope the district will work with the community. If not, I guess we will vote yet again with a larger dollar amount. Midea's husband is in construction (I believe) and would probably have great ideas on materials and ways to keep costs down but still build a nice facility that will last. Will a local company build this (at least in part) or are we going to help a company in another area/state? It would be nice if local folks got some of these jobs/money. It is only fair to keep some of the money here if we can. Just my opinion.
It is very refreshing to see all the good comments from both sides of the fence that would really like to work it all out for the School Bond, and you are so right have to get the School District to agree to listen to the public. You would think after two failed trys they would want to work with the public guess we just have to wait and see. I hope I can be able to see all the comments posted haven't been able to see them all for some reason guess the puter doesn't like me lol
froggy:
I agree with you. You are a good agenda person. You are right. The first thing we need before this goes any further is to get the school districts cooperation with the decision making. We are talking up a blue streak without that. If we don't get their cooperation then we will have to find other avenues to get the community involved.
Froggy,
I agree we can't do anything about the bond unless we get the distrit to cooperate with us, but I like the idea of getting a commitee together to address other community concerns, once established then the distrit might listen to us.
Here's my suggestion.
First, we have to find out if McMurtrey and/or the school board is even intrested in trying to modifiy the school bond. If he/they aren't interested, I don't think we can do much to change anything where this bond is concerned. I might be wrong because I don't know how the process works, but that's my best guess.
If he/they are interested, we should have some kind of open forum, invite members from different facets of the community (examples in my previous post)to represent and then nominate people to sit on the council.
Next is to try and find a $$$ amount we want to work with. I found it interesting that the Nazarene church was trying to keep their costs at $100 psf. We should have some dollar amount in mind to set a goal for. Either by square foot or just a dollar amount, like 20 million, or whatever. Something the tax payers can afford and would likely approve.
Then the committee with suggestions from the community needs to prioritize what is most important for the school. Once the list is made, we can see what things are available outside the school, so we aren't duplicating. What's left, goes to the school board who will have to consulte w/the building designers, to make sure all is w/in code, etc.
That at least to start with. But first, we need the school's committment so I guess we wait and see what Hannah finds out.
The school district had said that the school/s are used for different functions other than school programs.
I beleive that that it might not be a bad idea to involve the Wester Elmore County Rec District and also the Mountain Home Recreation Center in the decisions. This would help not only the the school district but other recreation facilities so that there is not repetitive building being done. What a cost savings that would be to everyone - yet still get the same/similar facilities in Mountain Home.
We had discussed in previous blogs that the Nazarene church is building an auditorium, the WECR is going to possibly ask for a bond to build a pool and other rec. facilities.
Hopefully this will help in decision making.
Froggy,
thank you for reposting the article, I think that is just what we need to do if we organize ourselves, eventually the board will have to liste to us. I think it is a great idea for the school students although that will have to wait till next school year. I think we should start an organization like that here as soon as possible. The only question is how do we start. Maybe we could talk to someone there and see how we go about starting. Any other suggestions
I totally have the biggest grin on my face right now. It rocks that Smalltown is calling just about every school in Idaho to get info, Missylynn, who is trying to find a place she can afford, is researching grants, Old Guy pops out with this great idea of looking at Kuna's floorplan, throwing out some new ideas is OpinionMissy, the Lady is cheering us on and Hannah who has a connection there at the school district can approach McMurtrey. Totally rocks. You guys are the bomb.
IMO, I think the group could include (besides just regular people and the someone from the school district and the school district like Hannah suggested)
1. someone from the Rec Center project, someone from the Nazarene Church and any other churches (because they may be able to provide some things that we may not have to duplicate in the school or alleviate some of the stuff we want),
2. some high school kids (because they should feel included and important and know what it's like to work on a budget),
3. and I love the idea that Kuna included a rep from the Senior Center. Dude, those guys have been there/done that and I think could really help out a lot.
4. I like MissyLynn's idea of a grant writer. Even maybe for some solar panels to save $$ on the bills. Might impress some voters if we generate power back to the grid, like the jail is making money holding State inmates. OK that may be a bit much for now. :)
5. Who else ya think?????
I wish there was a way we could do a poll. Kinda like the city where one had to rate different services & stuff. I mean, we here in the blogsphere know what we didn't like, but we are only a handful. There may be some other good reasons people didn't vote and they may also have some great ideas. Hmmmm. Maybe the Mtn Home Newspaper could do a poll about why people didn't vote and they can write stuff in the comments. But the poll usually only has around 100 poll voters (is that a correct term??).
Hannah32,
One would have thought the board and district would have looked at what has worked in other communities. I mean plagiarism is the strongest form of flattery. Maybe this is the reason the bond did not pass and not the fault of the elementary schools. That excuse is not a valid one. The real reason the bond did not pass is that the justification did not meet the needs of the community.
Froggy,
I also saw the information about what Kuna has done when I was researching the bond a few weeks ago that they passed in 2000. Since I work for the district, I will talk to Mr. McMurtrey about this and see what his thoughts are on it. The school board would be another group that I may need to talk to as well. I think that this could be very powerful.
Here is a thought. Maybe any committe or even the district could approach Kuna about using their building plan as a starting point. I have seen this option used in the military construction arena and it saves huge sums of money. Once one place develops a usable plan, other places utlize it so they can save that amount of money. Just look at some of the recent sub-divisions that have been built. They re-use a few house plans over and over. Why? So that they don't have the extra expense of drafting plans for the differing houses. That is my two cents worth as one means to save the community some huge money.
Smalltown: Below, I (re) posted an article I cut/pasted about how the school district worked with the community to get their school built. The article is long, but I don't want to piecemeal it, because I didn't write it. I think we need to set up an Mountain Home ACT committee. We will need the school to