Posted 9/12/01 Space needs task force explains recommendation for school project To the editor: Many ìSpace Needs Task Forceî members read the recent Letters to the Editor regarding Rush City school district space requirements with interest and appreciation. It is encouraging to see community involvement in improving the educational environment for our children. As citizens and taxpayers, we are also keenly aware of the need to use our tax dollars wisely. The Task Force was created at the request of the School Board and consisted of approximately 35 community members who attended the meetings on a regular basis over a period of 8 months. We had some intense discussions regarding the best options available to the school district. Analysis included but was not limited to: enrollment growth, population demographics, financial health of the district, instructional capacity during renovation and/or building activities, temporary building use, state requirements, state cost sharing options, tax impact to residents, condition of current buildings: 1)high school roof; 2)elementary space (including ventilation, cafeteria and programming space); 3)bus housing. The primary consideration throughout all of our discussions was the fiscally responsible use of our tax dollars. The options we investigated ranged from doing nothing to the proposal that was accepted by the School Board. Specifics regarding the final recommendation approved by a Task Force majority and a thorough discussion of the process used to reach this solution will be available at public information meetings during October and November. This will include the ìpros and consî for each option considered. We encourage the public to attend these discussions and review the facts and issues debated and analyzed during the Task Force meetings. The School Board did not accept our recommendation without careful consideration ñ nor should the taxpayers in the district. We are convinced that once our residents have an opportunity to evaluate the process used and issues considered, they will support the Task Force and the School Board in a solution that will best meet the needs of the Rush City School district ñ for both its children AND its taxpayers. Sincerely, Space Needs Task Force members: Lynn Bossart Arelene Burda Bonnie Carlson Gwen Goretsas Mary Pat Hestbeck Sandy Kaufmann Michelle Meis ©Post Review