Published: May 09, 2008 12:12 pm         

It's a small cost for better learning environment

I understand that Ms. Fout ("Questions outnumber answers on bond levy," April 13 Times-News) has issues with the school board. I actually agree with her opinion of Skip Hackworth for the most part, however the fact remains that the bond issue is not to be taken lightly.

I have two children at Keyser Primary School. I cannot speak for the other schools in the county. I do know that Keyser Primary is extremely overcrowded. Anyone who has a child in that particular school knows this. If you do not believe me then take a tour of the school during the day when all of the children are there and especially when classes change. I, for one feel that there needs to be a separation of elementary and middle school students.

I have a friend who's daughter is in first grade at Fort Ashby. She goes to class in a trailer outside the school because there is no more space in the school. For the beginning portion of the year she did not even have a desk! She is also one of three first graders that are in class with second graders because again there is not any more space.

If KPMS were only serving Keyser then there would probably be enough space. But the Primary is serving Piedmont and Keyser and the Middle School serves Piedmont, Keyser, New Creek, Fountain and some of Burlington.

At what point will we all understand that our children need a larger space. The bond levy will help to provide that. The amount that your taxes will go up is between $5 and $30 dollars a year. Many other states already have a school tax that provides for schools. West Virginia does not. We need to think about what is best for our children. I, for one am willing to pay that small a price for a better learning environment for my sons.

Jennifer Andrews
Piedmont, W.Va.