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Yay or nay, something needs to be done soon
Published Monday, August 31, 2009
Another town meeting is set tonight to discuss the possibility of constructing a new high school in Selma or renovating the old one.
At the last town meeting, the public generally supported doing something. Many wanted to raze the old high school and put up another one in its stead. One wing of the old one is unusable. The building’s wiring will not accommodate the latest in technology. The roof is shot. The lighting is bad. The list goes on.
Certainly, this is the tale of a school long-neglected in deep maintenance.
On the other hand, some people in the community want to keep the old structure and renovate it into a good solid facility that students will appreciate. Many people walked out of that old high school for the last time and have a sentimental attachment to the building.
While the divisions aren’t deep, they are something to consider. Dr. Austin Obasohan, the Selma City Schools superintendent, is aware of the two camps. He wants to do the proper thing. He wants to stay within a budget.
He also hears the cry for change.
This is not the first time a new school building has taken the attention of people in Selma. Not so many years ago, before Obasohan came to town, talk surfaced of a new school in a new location.
That effort died.
While it is a good idea to hold town meetings to discuss the possibilities, these discussions do not show a firm moment toward a solution to replacing the high school or renovating it.
Sometimes an issue may be over discussed. Perhaps waiting to see how an elected school board shakes out is a good idea. On the other hand, the election is not until October, which pushes into winter.
Whatever the course of action, school officials should work toward having a building well under way by construction time in 2010.
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Comments
Posted by eyeonyou (anonymous) on September 1, 2009 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm sure it will be an emotional gathering of spirituals and cheerleading. How long has this group been discussing this "New School"? SO when is someone actually going to come up with a REALISTIC way to pay for this? All this talk and not one plan, budget or resource to PAY FOR IT. Give me more, give me more, give me more is all I hear.
Posted by Nina (anonymous) on September 1, 2009 at 9:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Does Your last sentence mean that You are endorsing a new school building?
Posted by I_saw_what_you_did_in_Selma (anonymous) on September 1, 2009 at 9:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It's always a shame to see an old building with such character torn down, but truthfully, a new building in it's place is probably a better use of money. Regardless of which decision is made, I agree with eyeonyou - where's the budget?
The old Vaughn Hospital on Dallas would have been a nice temporary school while the old one was torn down and new one built, or even a good building to remodel for a school. But, it's a little late for that solution. I've yet to figure out why that building was torn down. A huge waste of a perfectly good building.
Posted by Selma (anonymous) on September 1, 2009 at 10:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
From what I was told, the old Vaughn Hospital building had abestos in it and would cost too much to abate.
Posted by eyeonyou (anonymous) on September 1, 2009 at 11:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Nina, my last post means that people want, want, want...but don't take the proper channels to get, get, get. When this group comes up with a sound and feasible economical plan/budget that makes sense to a town that has one of the highest unemployment rates and low tax structures....then I will support it.
I would sure hope that's what it takes for YOU to support it too. What business, city, government, agency, builds ANYTHING without a sound budget/plan? If you want pure failure, go ahead and build without securing the proper channels.
Posted by leo71 (anonymous) on September 1, 2009 at 4:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree,eyeonyou.It's pretty much a forgone conclusion that the citizens want something done--be that renovation or a new school-- and it's been "discussed" to death.It's time for action...our children's education is hanging in the balance.
Posted by I_saw_what_you_did_in_Selma (anonymous) on September 2, 2009 at 12:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You are probably right about the asbestos at the Vaughn - especially in the older sections of the building. Selma High probably has asbestos in it as well (probably a few layers of lead paint, too). I guess that's one more reason why a new school is more feasible than a reno of the old one.
Unfortunately if they raise property tax to pay for it, then that's that much less money people have to fix up their property. What is currently an eyesore will soon be on the condemned list. And, more and more people without kids in the public school system will move out into the county - assuming there are any left in town. That exodus was in full-swing 20 years ago.
Posted by citizen (anonymous) on September 2, 2009 at 5:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I heard when that vaughan was torn down it was in the contract to be torn down if it was not being used
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