Wednesday, September 15, 1999
BOE has no more magic rabbits to pull out

Some people believe if SPLOST fails, the Fayette County Board of Education can perform a magic trick and pull a rabbit out of a hat (come up with enough money for the projects needed by the school system).

No, I am sorry, the rabbit is long gone. The board of education has made it clear there is not enough money.

What do we have to look forward to if SPLOST fails? Most of the money gained from SPLOST would have been used to maintain the quality of education in Fayette County. Without SPLOST funds, the Fayette County Board of Education will be forced to use money from the general operating funds for the needed projects.

This means teachers' salaries, books and non-core programs (art, band, chorus, etc.) could be effected. There will not be enough money to upgrade the technology to keep the schools competitive.

Eventually, the student-teacher ratios will increase, all contributing to a decline in education received in Fayette County.

In a relatively short period of time, we can expect to see trailers as landmarks for schools, year-round school, and alternating schedules. This will be the future for Fayette County schools.

The children in Fayette County will be greatly affected by our decision on SPLOST; their education depends on it. There exists a need now to help the schools. We need to stand up for the kids and show them they matter.

I hope others will join me in support of the children in Fayette County by voting yes for SPLOST.

Mike Patterson
Fayette County


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