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544 facilities deserve our support [UPDATED]
Published 9:54am Monday, October 22, 2012 Updated 11:55am Monday, October 22, 2012We do not subscribe to the belief that Fergus Falls School District residents should vote in favor of the $6.3 million bond referendum simply because, due to the expiration of a bond in 2013, their property taxes will not go up. That’s the equivalent of an individual determining that, just because they paid off their vehicle, they should immediately buy a new one.
However, we do support the facilities bond on its merits.
The bond would fund new facilities for football, baseball, track and field, softball, soccer and tennis. It would also fund the creation of an environmental learning center.
In an age where childhood obesity continues to climb, having first-rate facilities for our students, as well as the community, is vital. The current football stadium, and the fact that many current athletic facilities are off-campus, means the new facilities would improve safety for students and fans.
New outdoor athletic facilities, along with the remodeled Kennedy Secondary School and Community Ice Arena, also will help to attract new families to Fergus Falls and retain current ones. The new track and field facilities also potentially will bring regional meets to Fergus Falls, which will fill up hotels and restaurants.
At a time when the economy is still shaky, those who believe athletic facilities are a luxury certain have a valid point. But the school facilities are a long-term issue. The district has proposed a long-term solution, and we believe it deserves support.
