In light of your recent articles regarding the current condition of Shawnee High School, I would like to emphasize the significance of the problem and its implications for the health of students.
I am a member of the senior class of Oklahoma Baptist University’s School of Nursing, and there is a Community Health course included in our curriculum. Within this course, a project focusing on health needs in a community has been assigned among eight groups.
My group’s focus has been placed on Shawnee High School and the condition of its building.
It is great to see the attention brought to the issue, as the project’s goal is to raise awareness in the surrounding community in order to pass the bond issue. Without its passing, the school district will not be able to provide the funding for a new roof. Shawnee High School must have a new and improved environment that is conducive not only to students’ learning, but also for their health and well-being.
There is also significant opposition to the bond issue. For instance, the school district received a $22.1 million bond that went to multiple other projects a few years ago, but people may wonder why another bond issue is needed.
That bond issue didn’t cover the repairs to the roof or the problems with the stadium. What is left of the money from the bond issue is dedicated to rebuilding the track and cannot go for any other expenses, so another bond issue is needed. Another question that may arise is that of the roof being covered under an insurance policy.
The roof was first built in 1971, and although it has received some small repairs over the years, the roof’s value has completely depreciated and will not be covered by insurance. It seems there are many people unsupportive of an increase in taxes.
I realize these are pressing economic times, but I have learned the average homeowner in Shawnee pays $500 in taxes annually, and with this bond issue, the average increase will only be approximately $25.
I hope that in the coming days, citizens of Shawnee will remember the significance of the bond issue on Nov. 10, and realize the power they possess to influence the future of this community by voting for the much needed change.
Caitlin Balmos
OBU School of NursingClass of 2010
