Vote Yes for new high school

I will be contacting all my friends in the Bentonville, Bella Vista, Centerton and other Benton County areas to state my feelings.

I grew up poor, and had it not been for public schools, paid for with tax dollars, I would not be enjoying the life I have now.

The area that they are proposing for the new high school is a fast-growing area. But no matter where it is built, there is an urgent need for more classrooms. I can understand the opposition to it being built near Centerton, but the main issue is the need. Northwest Arkansas is growing rapidly, faster than the schools can handle. We have many portable classrooms and moreto come.

Bentonville School District just completed building a new junior high. Yes, it is out near Centerton also. This school already has class sizes that are almost at their maximum. I also know that this school was built to replace the portable classrooms but, if numbers continue to climb, they could be reopened as early as next year.

I’ve heard many complain about building another high school. Paying more taxes is never good.

We need improved roads and other necessities.

But, we must look at the children in our area and ensure a good education for them. This cannot be accomplished in overcrowded classrooms.

I no longer have children at home that are school age, so the millage increase will not affect my family. But, I want to make a difference for the children who are looking for a good education. I will be voting for the millage increase. It is my duty to help these kids any way I can.

Yes, I’m on a fi xed income. Yes, paying more taxes will reduce the funds we have available to live on. Yes, the proposed increase may mean that my wife and I may have to eat at home a few days more a month. Yes, I know many of these students.

I see them on the street, in stores, playing outside after school and in the classrooms. Are they worth three less meals at a fast food restaurant a month?

You bet, and if they need more so these kids canhave the same chance that I - think about it, and you too - have had, I’m all for it.

Let’s not fight over where this high school is built or if it is needed. Do “your” homework and look into the need as I have done.

Let’s just make sure that it is built before it is too late.

Ken Kobylinski Bella Vista