Fayette Countians are proud. We are proud when we read in the paper of our school system’s high test scores (some of the highest in the state).

We are proud when we see our local school band winning competitions and marching in parades across the country, even around the world.

Our top-ranking schools are one of the reasons many businesses locate in this area and why many of us purchased our homes in Fayette County.

Ask any Realtor in town and they’ll tell you that our superior, high-performing schools are perhaps the greatest reason that property values have been so high here.

Who would be willing to give up all this for the sake of one penny per dollar? I challenge all of you, the next time you drive through the Pavilion or The Avenue, to check out the license plates in the parking lot and imagine how fabulous it would be to know that part of each and every dollar spent by those “outsiders” went toward OUR technology upgrades, OUR textbook purchases, OUR school bus purchases, OUR building and security improvements. Not to mention that it likely will lower your property taxes as well. Let them pay our taxes for us.

On Nov. 4, residents of Fayette County will have the opportunity to vote on one of the most important local issues to come before us in recent years. Is there anyone in this county who would say the following?

“We don’t want to support our outstanding school system any more. We will stand by and watch our school buildings deteriorate, our textbooks age, our technology departments fall behind. We’d like to give up our outstanding music and art departments. We’d like our kids to be crammed together in overcrowded classrooms day after day. Our children do not deserve safe, sound, efficient schools. I’d love to see my property taxes go up while my property values go down. In fact, I’d prefer to live in a county where the school system is so undesirable that no one wants to move here to raise their family and I couldn’t give my house away if I wanted to?”

The SPLOST, which could last for a maximum of five years and could generate up to $115 million, is much needed to offset property taxes and austerity cuts from the state and federal budgets.

Good schools mean well-prepared citizens, a strong labor market and an inviting atmosphere for living and working. We love our schools and take pride in them. To preserve this sense of satisfaction, however, the buildings and their fixtures must be upgraded and kept in good working order. Be proud. Vote Yes to SPLOST on Nov. 4.

Barbara Anderson

Fayette Middle School Council member

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