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No Comments [ Add Comment ]'Yes' on Box Elder School bond
Box Elder
County is growing. Just one example is the potential of hundreds of new jobs when Procter & Gamble assumes its presence in the area. With this expected influx will come many new students in area public schools.
It is critically important that Box Elder County schools be prepared to handle this increase. Children deserve a high-quality education, and buildings and equipment that support those goals. Responsible parents also want what is best for their children.
From time to time, these goals require additional public funds. The Standard-Examiner Editorial Board urges Box Elder County voters to vote "yes" on the $70 million Box Elder School bond when they go to the polls Nov. 6.
The bond will require of property owners an affordable investment in schools. Owners of a $100,000 home will see a $95 per year tax increase. It's a sacrifice, but a small one for the educational dividends to be seen.
Eighty percent of the money will address much-needed renovations at Box Elder High School and Bear River High School. Box Elder High School, which has almost 60 percent of area students, will receive $30.8 million. Bear River High School will receive $25.2 million.
The remaining bond money -- $14 million -- will address a new elementary school to be built in the south Willard area within five years.
Box Elder County has other needs besides its high schools and a new elementary school. There is growth in the Fielding and Garland communities. Those schools are getting older. They have limited capacity. We expect that voters will address those issues in the near future.
But right now it's time to renovate Box Elder and Bear River high schools, and get a new elementary school in south Willard. With Box Elder County's economic expansion and future growth, these are issues that must be addressed now. A "yes" vote on the bond Nov. 6 will help accomplish that.
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