Editor,
The Gravette School Board, in a split 4-3 decision, is asking for a 3.6 millage increase this September to build a pre-K through grade five elementary school in the Highlands.
According to a presentation outline for public information posted on the district's website, "The school district has reached a point in its facility usage that additional space is required at Gravette Upper Elementary School."
How can this be?
On the school district's website, www.gravetteschools.net, under the tab News, Gravette District News, Gravette School District Information, the following was found: Enrollment numbers at Glenn Duffy Elementary on Oct. 1, 2006, were 485 students compared to a decrease on Oct. 1, 2013, of 451 students. The district's website shows 392 students in Gravette Upper Elementary both on Oct. 1, 2006, and Oct. 1, 2013.
I am the mother of a pre-K student at Glenn Duffy, homeowner in the Highlands and a graduate of Gravette High. I ask you to do your research before voting on Sept. 16th. Those in favor of the millage increase will be sharing with you that our children need a new school and this tax increase is what our children need.
The greatest need for our children is that they have a school board that hires the best administrators, teachers and staffs for our district, and then provides the tools and resources needed for the district personnel to do their job. This new school would only stretch resources because there is no plan to hire additional teachers.
According to plans presented during an informational meeting by the school board, 12 teachers would be moved from the current schools to the new elementary, leaving 12 empty classrooms. A new school building is not a need; it is a want.
Needed are supplies for the classroom, such as paint brushes for the eighth grade art class. Needed is adequate pay for district personnel. Needed are new buses to help alleviate travel time for our children. Needed are desperate repairs to existing buildings. Let's wisely use the resources at hand and continue to make the Gravette School District one of the best.
Educate yourself. Vote according to the facts.
Heather Barnwell-Finley
Bella Vista
Editorial on 08/27/2014