Total cost estimate.....

[starbuck]

another thing that really needs to have a deep look into is what happens if they sink all this money into the 6 schools we have now and in 10-15 years from now they have to consolidate anyway and build new schools or at the very least sink even more money adding on to the schools that will house and be considered the "new school". then haven't we wasted a lot more money? I just think we need a serious plan in place before this happens.

[imported_Counts]

As one SB member put it "I think we(the kids?) can make do with a little less so long as we get to keep our community schools" (To me I think we can all see where the priorities are)

[plantsman]

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I just think we need a serious plan in place before this happens.

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I fully agree.

[imported_Coach]

just a matter of time. just a matter of time before we are forced to consolidate. i've worked in the county for about 10 years and been hearing consolidation as long as i've been here.

[sup-rbeast]

Easy way to solve this so everyone has say so and there are no political heads rolling. County makes a proposition funding this, has it written in black and white what tax revenue will have to go to in order to do it. Open the polls. Citizens vote yes to go ahead with refurbishing or no to the refurbishing. If the vote in the county is yes raise the proposed tax, if it is no proceed with consolidation. Easy fix.

[plantsman]

I think you present the best idea: Let the citizens decide. I also think it would be best if the consolidation issue was decided by a popular vote of the citizenry.

[vikescoach]

That makes too much sense, doesn't it??!!

Anyway, All this talking and whining around here about our schools needing this and that, and then they see how much it will cost, and they about croak...Yes, to put a proverbial bandaid on the schools that will require replacing in 10-15 years....Would you put cardboard and tape on a hole in your roof? Or would you put a new one on it, to include new shingles, etc so it will last for a long time...Same thing as putting up three new schools instead of this short term fix....Some pride swallowing will have to be done whether we repair and improve or consolidate, and having the people vote like the guy I am responding to (Boney) is the best idea I think. . .

[NotSoSilentBob]

They will end up spending as little as possible to keep 'community pride' alive. The WCSB will either draft another $300 000 'study' to see if they can get by doing just the bare minimum to keep the buildings in working order for another 10-15 years OR they will just stand pat because they're afraid to broach the hated consolidation topic.

If they opt for the former (and I'm betting they will), another set of board members will be going down this same road in 15 years. And once again the Appalachias and Pounds of the world will whine whine whine about wanting to keep their tiny schools open.

If these people are so dead set on keeping their precious 'community pride', then why not incorporate and have the town take control of their school system. Then those people (and only those people) can shell out the money to keep their 'community pride' and let the rest of the county move into the 21st century.

Yeah, let's spend $100+ million 'renovating' six antiquated structures so we can spend $300+ million in 25 years to build new schools.

If nothing else, build new schools one at a time. Start with the consolidated Wise/Pound. Then Appalachia/Powell Valley, then St Paul/Coeburn.

I've said it before, but I am willing to pay an extra few $$ in taxes IF they consolidate and build new schools. I am not willing to do the same just to keep 6 schools open in the name of 'community pride'.

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[imported_sherk]

I have been saying this for a long time. Have told a few BOS and School Board members this.

[retiredteach]

For what it would cost to renovate Kelly, a new school could be built to house Kelly and Pound. Something that needs to be considered.