We must spend money for schools. Decline of schools impacts our economy and quality of life. A prioritized long-term plan must be established, implemented in stages, and include long-term redistricting based on growth and best use of all facilities. The bond proposal must be broken into separate proposals.

First bond proposal: First priority is elementary schools, totalling $31 million: $26.7 million for three new elementary schools, $3 million for Isenberg, and $1.3 million for Woodleaf and Cleveland. Second priority, totalling $21.1 million, would be $4.5 million for Erwin Middle, $5 million for high school Instructional Physical Education Centers, $6.6 million for additions and renovations to North and West high schools, and $5 million for renovations for all schools. First bond proposal totals $52.1 million.

Second bond proposal: Priority 3 is $24 million for a new high school. Priority 4 is monies to be identified to consolidate current functions into existing facilities and to close some facilities, such as consolidating administrative offices or the Renaissance Center in the Salisbury High facility. Analyze operational, maintenance, personnel, and contract costs of current facilities and identify long-term savings from consolidating functions and closing facilities. A cost-effective plan with energy efficient buildings. If construction funds are still required for the Renaissance Center, those would be included.

If parents do not choose to send children to Salisbury High from the choice zone, the reality is that forced redistricting alone will never balance populations between schools. Salisbury High is only 4.3 miles from North High. Though under capacity, Salisbury already has a parking problem. The school is landlocked and is a 75-year-old facility.

— Elaine C. Hewitt

Cleveland