lebanon.myfastforum.org

Register

ski4fun1 · Joined: 12 Sep 2008 Posts: 6

Does anyone oppose the new Junior High? I do for reasons of cost analysis, poor planning, flawed/incorrect data, property tax increase, current state of economy, and concerns about comments from the superintendent when I met with him and one of the school board members last spring.

Let me know if you have similar concerns or other concerns.
Thanks

Thomas · Joined: 06 Sep 2008 Posts: 16 Location: Lebanon,NH.

Morning ski4fun1.
I also share your concerns...to many gray areas need to be define.

ski4fun1 · Joined: 12 Sep 2008 Posts: 6

Hi Thomas,

I agree, too many areas have been brushed over or quickly thrown together. Last spring the sprinkler system upgrade was going to be several million dollars, suddenly, this summer when it was needed the cost was several hundred thousand dollars. That just seems like someone did not want to try that alternative and gave the estimate a high number to discourage support.

Another thing that concerns me is that the 7th and 8th grade has 300 students with declining enrollment. The Junior High will be built for 400 students. The school board want the state funds to help pay for almost half of the cost. The state will not give matching funds unless the school meets a list of criteria. One criterion being at a minimum, the school must hold 400 students.

Also, why does the school need a seperate gymnasium and cafeteria? Can't the same floor space be used for both? At lunch time, no one is in gym class and during the day, no one is in the cafeteria. Why not maximize the usage of this area?

The bleachers proposed for the gymnasium would hold 400 people. Why? Can't chairs be put up and taken down for assemblies and stage performances? If there are not even 400 students, what function in the gymnasium is going to require 400 bleacher seats?

Is anybody organized against this or does anyone want to organize against the proposal?

Thomas · Joined: 06 Sep 2008 Posts: 16 Location: Lebanon,NH.

Morning ski4fun1.
Times they are chancing,and maybe City of Lebanon should slow down and take harder look and bite the bullet as they say,for US is in trouble and effects will trikle down to towns/cities which means more burden on the tax payers.

Jr. High Schoo...yes the Jr.H.S. in need of major over haul maybe do to the lack of some not paying close attendion over the years,sooo take Jr. H.S. down and rebuild but increase the square which will not over burden the tax payers....maybe a watch dog group if you will which will have members that never serve on any Lebanon boards keep eye on all projects.

It's time the City of Lebanon started watching there pennies,as the old saying goes..."You watch your pennies the dollars will take care of themselves"

ski4fun1 · Joined: 12 Sep 2008 Posts: 6

Hi Thomas and anyone else who might read this,

The school board ran into another problem concerning a 44-year old deed for the proposed sight of the playing fields. How many more surprises will this community need before they realize that the superintendent and the board don't have all the facts and haven't done thorough research?

I new, shiny school looks great, but when the economy and financial wellness seems to be struggling, cost effective repairs are much more practical.

ski4fun1 · Joined: 12 Sep 2008 Posts: 6

Tonight the School Board is having a special meeting with the City Council. Everyone who cares how their taxes are raised and used should attend.

matthewota · Joined: 18 Sep 2008 Posts: 3 Location: Lebanon, NH

After seeing the dilapidated condition of the Jr high school in Lebanon, I support the move to build a new one. A pleasant learning environment will help the students.

I know there is a weak tax base in New Hampshire due to the lack of a state income tax. Perhaps some federal money can be garnered to help.

ski4fun1 · Joined: 12 Sep 2008 Posts: 6

I can entertain the idea that a new school is needed. However, a hurried plan which depends upon state money for matching funds is foolish. The superintendent was just quoted in the Valley News admitting that it is less likely state funds will be available.

The federal government cannot appropriate funding for specific schools or specific states. The federal government can create education bills to give states more money, but in the end, the individual states portion out the money.

Thomas · Joined: 06 Sep 2008 Posts: 16 Location: Lebanon,NH.

After watching school board on tv the other night all I can say. Rolling Eyes

If the superintendent can't get facts on such events also board members than maybe they should bow out...and this also goes for other boards in Lebanon.

Maybe it's time City of Lebanon realize this isn't Hanover/Dartmouth College,and many...many are tried of paying high taxes to keep up w/the Jones.

I feel what this City needs is a hard @ss...yes that's right crack the whip and if it stings all well,someone that will stand up and say NO!!!
Stop this everytime person/persons has idea we the tax payers spend $$'s researching,and make the board members more countable for there actions,so when they make mistakes which will cost tax payers $$'s have there insurance policy pay...hmmm that's idea have all board members show proof of insurance.

Sorry folks but the hand writting on the wall,time to tighten the belt or have our taxes go up 25% to 40% as some of the towns in New Hampshire facing now.

lebman5 · Joined: 25 Jun 2009 Posts: 4

Don't worry. You'll get the chance to vote it down for the 4th time in March 2010. Tell all your friends.