AG board invested in schools
I am writing in response to a May 13 letter written by Margaret Burnsworth. I would like to begin by saying we renovated three elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school and built a new elementary school without raising taxes. I do not believe that any other school district in this area can say this. I am very proud of this accomplishment.
As a board member I helped make the hard decisions. As an example: Should we air condition all of our schools or make sure that we have sufficient and efficient classrooms (chemistry and biology labs)? Should we do a complete library with computer labs or air condition the buildings? Should we make the cafeteria larger or build a new gymnasium (where our students can participate in their graduation ceremony in their own school rather than at the State Theater)?
The business office has always been an issue because of location. I cannot help where this building is located. However, I feel that the board made a wise decision when we purchased it. Yes, the offices are small but they are more economically efficient.
Yes, we did make some changes in the building, but none of them was because of structural problems. There are no structural problems. We are being reimbursed a portion of the cost of the improvements. Also, the monthly expenses of this building are substantially lower than the cost of the prior facility.
Mrs. Burnsworth, I have one question for you. Where were you and your vision when all of the hard decision-making was being made? My vision as a board member was very clear: Prioritize needs to improve the education of all of the students and do as much as possible without raising taxes.
Our namesake Albert Gallatin believed that “a county like a household should live within its means and avoid debt.” I think if he were here today, I’m sure he would say the same applies to a school district. And I am very sure that he would be proud of the Albert Gallatin School District and all of the hard decisions that had to be made.
Janet S. Swaney
Fairchance
Likable fix to taxing problem
What a breath of fresh air to have a person successful in his handling of finance and real estate at Hopwood Amvets offer a solution to a situation (tax collector fees) that should have been done years ago. It can be done without hurting anyone by using his solution of mailing pre-paid stamped envelopes to the treasurer’s office.
Patrick Britt could solve many other big government problems in Fayette County, but people of his know-how either want no part of the mess or are beaten down.
Ray Rutter
Hopwood