Letter: Time for a 'New High' -- two of them
Before the last school bond issue, I wrote a letter to the editor explaining why I would be voting against the proposed bond. I spent 33 years with the Wichita Falls ISD as a teacher, supervisor, and principal. It was a difficult decision, but one I felt was right at the time. I did not feel that the previous plan was in the best interest of all of our students.
This time, I'm asking you to join me in voting for the current bond issue. I have always felt that the two school option was the right choice. We can save money by consolidating our current three schools and stop putting money into high school buildings that are old and outdated. We can provide our students with facilities that will better prepare them for the future. All of our students deserve equal opportunities and this plan will give us a chance to get it right. They will have modern, equal schools with similar student populations.
I'm proud to say I've lived in Wichita Falls all of my life. I can't see myself living anywhere else. I've come to accept the fact that the citizens of this city are notorious about resisting change, especially if it costs money. But come on, people, IT'S TIME! We all get excited about new things.
Think what a shot in the arm having two new high schools would be for this town. If you're like me, you've probably kept a car too long and finally realized you've spent too much money trying to keep it running. You and your family would be better off if you invested in a new one. That's where we're at now with our high school buildings.
For those of you who think "our schools are fine." I challenge you to look at the school buildings in the majority of other districts. I travel to numerous other districts following Old High soccer. I'm amazed at how new and modern most of them are.
Our athletes are constantly reminded that our citizens have failed to provide them with schools and athletic facilities that enhance their learning and participation in athletics. Just look online at the high schools in other districts around the state. I doubt if you'll find many that were built in 1922. It's time for a "New High" — two of them!
Please vote YES on Proposition A and B.
-- Eddie McCauley, Wichita Falls