Investment is good for future
Our daughters grew up in the Pea Ridge schools. We cannot say enough good about our experience. During that time, we were faced with a millage vote to build a new high school. No one likes tax increases. For us, it was a decision to invest in the future of our kids and the generations to come and provide the facility needed to grow. I believe the right decision was made.
On the shoulders of that decision, Pea Ridge schools have continued to step up and provide exceptional opportunities for students. All our present campuses are either new or renovated, since our current high school was built. The rapid enrollment growth has been met with appropriate growth and development of a school system that excels. Our educational rankings are regularly some of the highest in the state. That was not always the case in Pea Ridge. Our administration, teachers and other staff are exceptional and provide the leadership needed for these results.
Here we are again. Another millage is requested to provide the needed funds to go to the next level. Multiple benefits will result from approval of this millage. A new high school campus, resulting in opening up space on other campuses. Continued expansion and development of the Pea Ridge Business and Manufacturing Academy (PRMBA). As I understand the vision of where the future can take our schools and the resulting opportunities, I'm excited! This makes me a bigger fan of our Pea Ridge schools, and that's saying something.
Could we argue about location, traffic, advantages and disadvantages of building closer to the existing campus, whether a new campus should include a Fine Arts auditorium or we should stick a stage in the gym, since that was good enough for us when we were in high school, and other things? Certainly. There are no doubt pros and cons to most of these things. Will there be traffic challenges, and steps to be taken to improve those issues? Certainly. However, there are options being explored by the city and state to address those issues. I am proud that we have capable leadership in our school system, that is seeking to continue to provide a path of growth that will result in many more years of excellence on all levels.
I'm fast becoming one of the old guys in town. I no longer have children in the school, and my grandchildren live elsewhere. So, it could be argued that I don't have a vested interest in this vote. However, I pray that I'm never so old that I'm unwilling to sacrifice for the good of future generations. I believe in the future of our schools, the kids that attend them today and the kids that will attend in the future.
My vote will be a resounding YES! I'm excited for what the future holds and glad we can be a little part of helping our community get there. Count us in for this investment!
Al and Kim FowlerPea Ridge, Ark.
Editorial on 05/03/2017