To the Editor:
On April 4th, the patrons of the Gasconade R-2 Schools will have the opportunity to vote yes for capital improvements in many vast areas for our students. The School Board/Administration have utilized these bonds in the past which voters, at one time, voted yes (with a 2/3 vote) for our district.
As a resident of the Gasconade R-2 District, I look at this as improving my property value and businesses do as well. When a family moves into the area they first look into the quality of the school. A business, before they move in, will always look into the schools.
School is an investment for everyone.
This is the financial investment.
The most important investment is our children.
As I read about the improvements for this bond issue, it definitely hits every educational aspect, PreK-12. The Performing Arts Center has been needed for a very long time. The music and drama departments need this facility badly, however; the center can be used for many other activities, ceremonies, meetings and it will also serve as a ICC-500 storm safe building.
Even though my heart reaches out to the Performing Arts Center, connecting the main campus to the Ag/Tech Buildings is so important for the safety of our students.
Preschool expansion, safety upgrades, career technical expansion, classroom improvements, every building, every age, every area will be touched by saying yes to this bond issue.
I don’t see how one can vote no. Taxes will not go up if you vote yes, taxes will not go down if you vote no.
I’ve had the opportunity to teach in four school districts.
Gasconade R-2 had the hardest working students, teachers and patrons of all. My heart and soul still bleed the Orange and Black and it always will.
There was a phrase I said many, many times with my students. I’ve been told it is one they remember the most.
“Aim high or you will shoot yourself in the foot.”
Let’s keep aiming high for our students, teachers and administrators and vote Yes on April 4th for the No Tax Bond Issue.
Bill Vogt
Director of Bands 1986-2005
