I have been reading about the need for another high school to help take the load off Bentonville High. I know the need is a fact as I have one grandchild there now and another who graduated a few years ago.
It is absolutely amazing money can be found to pave walking/biking paths, construct dog parks, and other parks and do all sorts things. You will probably say that those monies are not available to build schools. One question: What is more important than the education of our children?
The need for a new school has been growing for several years. Centerton and southwest Bentonville have been growing every year and are being considered as sites for the new school. To add to these communities, Bella Vista is no longer just a retirement community.
Young people are moving in because some homes are less expensive. But there are still many senior citizens on fixed incomes who live there. Now they will be asked to support a millage increase to build another high school that they will never have any family attend.
I am sure these arguments are not new, however, the condition of Bentonville High cannot wait years to get relief.
Somehow the money is going to have to come from somewhere. Shouldn’t our first concern be the new school (not athletic facilities - at least these could be shared to begin with)? I know some folks don’t want the athletics to be split anyhow. I also know the answers aren’t going to be easy, but the new school must somehow be built soon.
PATRICIA Y. JONES
Bella Vista
Opinion, Pages 5 on 05/21/2013