ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, March 3, 1996 TAG: 9603010008
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: F-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: SUSANNE P. WISEMAN
I WOULD like to respond to some of the issues regarding the need for a new high school in Southwest Roanoke County and the bond issue for education in Roanoke County.
Many people know that it has been 20 years since our county built a new high school. During that time, there have been additions to all the existing facilities.
At this point, there's no more space - considering site, neighborhood and needed space - to add to Cave Spring High School. To conform to the ninth-through-12th-grade high-school concept, there would need to be enough classrooms - including science labs, gymnasiums and playing fields - to house approximately 400 additional students. This isn't feasible on the existing site.
In addition, increased parking for teachers, staff and visitors is needed, and there's no space for this.
A major concern - expanding the hallways to accommodate the flow of students - could not be addressed by adding on to the school. Those walls are fixed, and could not be redesigned easily or cheaply, if at all.
Still not addressed also is how to accommodate the technology needed to keep a school competitive with the needs of the 21st century. Electrical power and the necessary in-house wiring aren't present. However, with renovation, this could be accomplished for middle-school use.
Our county needs to seriously consider the economic impact of not approving a bond issue on April 2. If the proposal is turned down, the entire capital-improvement program for education over the next eight to 10 years or so is in serious jeopardy.
By not improving its educational system, Roanoke County stands to lose when it comes to attracting businesses and industries looking to relocate. Schools and their ability to meet community needs now and in the future are a major drawing card for relocating businesses and people moving into our area.
By increasing its ability to draw new business, the county could increase the commercial tax base, and not have to raise the residential real-estate tax base. These economic considerations don't just affect one area. They impact on all areas of the county.
It's important to realize that without approval of the bond issue, people will consider this area to be unprogressive and therefore educationally unfriendly, and they might not be interested in settling here.
Also, avenues to other funding sources in the state will be closed because the state will perceive that the people aren't interested in supporting their educational system.
I urge all citizens to support their community and education by voting yes for the bond referendum on April 2.
Susanne P. Wiseman is chairman of the Social Studies Department at Cave Spring High School.
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