Well now is the first time i've had a chance to read some of the new post.
A few questions. As i said before. All these pages, but not that many folks from Wise County with views, ideas or many questions.
I know Rocketer and Counts are basically saying go for it, and it's easy to look at figures and numbers and classes and say that. I have done the same.
That's great and in no way do i mean this disresptful, but other than Lee County, and Twin Valley we have seen no real idea how consolidation will work.
Especially here in this area. This is not central or eastern virgina.
As of right now. Dickenson County only has a plan. They have no idea, if it will work as good as thought. And time table wise. I think even their plan is falling way behind. To me i would be worried that the money that was offered will still be there. If not Dickenson Co. may end up in a mess also. Having to come up with the other 95% of the money.
When reviewing the budget cuts the president sent to congress. Well some need to look at them close. It may affect more than many think, and many more local programs, that get their funding from the state and federal level.
What was offered 5 yrs ago. Well that may not still be available in the future. And especially since the Buchanan County Fiasco, with federal funds. If i lived in Dickenson County, and was on the school administration and boards. I would be making some calls to make sure, that money is still earmarked for our purpose.
Also, what will be the new enrollment figures, for the new schools in Dickenson County once they are in and functioning?
Also, just like Appy not having a middle school. How is that to be handled? If you do consolidate Appy/PV and build a new building, where do the kids go who should be attending the middle school?
Can PV's middle school handle all the middle school kids that would need to go there from Appy? Or would that mean a renovation to PVMS?
Also what about if this is done. What happens to all the old buildings? In the so called disarray they are in now, who would want to purchase them for further use?
If it would take millons to renovate them. And let's face it. Some are in remote areas. Not fashionable for most businesses.
Then what happens. You demolish them. Well that comes with a huge price to.
And you have to have somewhere to get rid of what you destory. Our landfill is almost maxed out. The company working with the county board of supervisor, is hoping i think a june or july opening for one new section?
As i said this needs to be looked at in a big way and on a bigger basis. A lot more than people even think or have begun to consider or think about.
It needs to be done with a lot of input. And i will say it again. The citizens, former board members, administration, teachers present and past, they all need to give input. Who better than those who have been there, and know the ends and outs and have seen other systems.
If you want it done right.
I think what red 66 said was something that would of worked very well in Lee County.
Two County highschools for Lee County. That very well could have. With or without Thomas Walker wanting to. Had it been an issue. It could of been forced. But no one wanted to rock the boat per say. So it wasn't. And for the price of one huge school, Lee could of had two fine schools and basically almost divided up the enrollment, they currently have. And still be able to meet the current guidelines for sports in the Single A alignment. Saving the mess they have now.
As i said. Sometimes, two heads are better than one. And when taking on a task such as this. Well many heads may help. Some one may have ideas, that others don't even consider, that may save millions, or just save time, and it be practical.
But as i said it needs to be looked at very wisely. And as much time taken as is needed. To examine it all and put it out there cost wise and how it will be paid for to the citizens of Wise County.
And for once i think it's time to quit wasting our money on studies, that say the same thing. Fix what you have or consolidate. This is what the third study since 94 or somewhere in that time frame?
Yet the same results. Fix what you have or look at consolidation as an answer. We've paid for this same study 3 times already.
Now remedy the situation.
But not in haste. Do it as it should be done. And make it something, Wise County can be proud of. Whether it's repairing schools or consolidation.
And how about letting the board members have a little before hand knowledge.
I think they get a little upset themselves, when they seem as in the dark as the citizens do.
And i will say. If Mr. Basham and all his deputy asst. don't want to work with the board. How can they expect the board to work with them? Or the citizens to.
Yes i know some will say, well there you go.
No they have the job. They made their decisions long ago about their employment.
Along with being a public servant, also comes the responsibility, to also work with the public.
And the same to those on the board. When you become a public servant. Well you took on the role. So you should of been prepared to deal with the public. If not you should of never ran for the position.
As the saying goes. Respect is earned, not given away.
Now earn that respect you all seem to want. Administration and board.
So to all. It's time to get down to work. And see what needs to be done. And do what is right for all of Wise County and it's children.
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