An open debate on whether we should fund a SPLOST for the Fayette County School System, I believe, is healthy and should be encouraged. There has been a question raised about whether a real need exists for additional funding for the school system. Parents that have children in Fayette County Schools are well aware that the school or schools their children have attended are at capacity or near capacity at this time. The Fayette Board of Education estimates over 5,000 new students [are] expected to enter Fayette Schools by the year 2005. We have a problem. We can ignore the present situation or together try to find a way to solve the future crowding of our classrooms.

Some people look for whom to blame for the situation we are in with the school system. This would be an argument for how to stop the situation from reoccurring but does not do anything for our present situation. We can talk about whether the funding should be done through a SPLOST (pay as you go) or through the bonds. I believe paying for the needs through bonds would cost the county a lot more money because of having to pay the interest on the bonds. I prefer to pay as you go.

Most importantly, let's not lose our focus on who will be most affected by our decision, the children of Fayette County. There is nothing more important than the education of our children; these are the people who will one day be running our country.

Dr. John DeCotis, the school superintendent, has made it clear that if the SPLOST fails, the alternatives would be traditional trailers or portable classrooms, year-round school, and alternating schedules for students.

The overcrowded conditions would eventually negatively impact the education received in the Fayette County Schools. Is this really what we want for Fayette County?

We are being asked to pay an additional 1 cent sales tax to maintain the high standard of education in Fayette County. Is that so much to ask? A vote yes for SPLOST would be a vote in support of the children of Fayette County.

Mike Patterson

Peachtree City

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