This column represents the thoughts and opinions of the Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce. This is NOT the opinion of the Taylor Press.
Taylor is on the cusp of explosive growth. This was projected even before Samsung arrived, but now growth is decidedly in the very near future.
Our school system is only one of our institutions that will bear the brunt of this growth, but it is a vitally important part of our community. The directors of the Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce recently passed a resolution endorsing the school bond proposal which voters will consider on Nov. 8.
Here’s why: If nothing is done to prevent it, we will run out of classroom space. Our elementary campuses will run out of space much sooner — indeed, if the growth projections are correct, we barely have the time to renovate our current facilities before those classrooms exceed capacity.
If this bond fails, we can expect to see portable buildings spring up at TH Johnson and Pasemann Elementary within a few years. We can’t afford to let that happen to our youngest students.
A major component of this proposal is to enhance security of all campuses. The lessons of the last few years demonstrate that our children need the best security we can provide. It pains us to say this but hardening school buildings and their surroundings is a critical necessity.
We can’t afford to scrimp on this. Aside from the aesthetics, portable buildings are nearly impossible to secure.
Our students deserve to participate in this new economy. The expanded Career and Technology Education center in this proposal can put our students on track for excellent, well-paying careers in high-value trades including manufacturing. Samsung and other area electronics firms already struggle to fill these jobs; the career opportunities for our students are boundless, but only if we give them the skills and training they need to compete.
District officials have crafted a proposal that will allow us to expand our capabilities without raising property tax rates. A great deal of the reason for this is that Samsung will pay enough in debt service property taxes to offset the cost of this bond. It’s true that the agreement the district inked with Samsung curtailed the taxes the company contributes toward maintenance and operations. However, Samsung will pay the full share toward capital projects like new construction.
We know that an excellent educational system is basic to the social and economic growth and well-being of any area. It is for all these reasons that the Chamber’s board of directors believe that the proposed bond issue is reasonable and necessary to maintain the district’s programs and meet the challenges we are sure to face in the future.
Please vote in favor of the school bond proposal listed at the bottom of your Nov. 8 ballot.
