THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 13, 1995 TAG: 9508100256
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 54 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 90 lines
Build bigger high school
We recently wrote a letter to the editor titled ``Alternative given on needs.'' The recommendation was not considered viable because Manteo Middle School only has 34,000 square feet and could not satisfy the needs of Dare County's office complex requirement of more than 150,000 square feet.
Agreed, the current Manteo Middle School cannot satisfy that requirement; however, MMS could certainly house many of those offices now paying rent. Additionally, Manteo Middle School sits on about 15 acres of prime property (four acres more than the Midgett tract). Beach residents doing business at this location could readily conduct their affairs and depart, never entering the downtown area.
Our commissioners implied that the office complex was the county's highest priority. It may be needed, but what about our high school requirement? Did you know that there are four modular units in back of Manteo High School, the lunch room cannot (or can barely) handle the current student population, parking is inadequate, the auditorium only seats half the students, and about two-thirds (around 500) students arrive from the beach every school day, creating morning and afternoon traffic congestion?
Manteo High School growth has been slow - only about 35 additional students per year since 1983. At that growth rate we can expect around 1,000 students by the year 2000. However, we can't wait till then for a second high school on the beach, and 1,000 students do not justify two high schools. Like Currituck County, we need one high school that can grow as needed, located near the demographic center of northern Dare County's population, probably somewhere in Kill Devil Hills.
Wouldn't it be nice to have a swimming pool in our high school? We are surrounded by water and do not have a public pool where swimming and water safety can be taught, or an AAU swim team can be sponsored. In Portland, Maine, my daughter lives 200 yards from an elementary school with a pool, that is used up to 18 hours daily. During school the students use it, but early in the morning and in the evening it is used by the citizens for exercise lap swimming, swim team practice/meets, and even handicap swimming (with a lift and special assistance). With one high school for northern Dare County we can afford such facilities and much more.
What should Dare County do?
Start plans and construct one high school for northern Dare County as soon as possible.
Once the new high school is operating, move the students from Manteo Middle School and the alternative high school into the existing Manteo High School.
Move as many Dare County offices (primarily those leasing office space) as possible into the existing Manteo Middle School and alternative high school.
Save tax dollars for future county office construction on the existing Manteo Middle School's 15 acres and alternative high school site. How can we save? One high school vs. two will save about $600,000 per year. We have read that office leases cost Dare County about $400,000 per year. These alone offer a savings of $1 million per year. Since we already own the Manteo Middle School land, we will save at least $900,000 in land acquisition. Set aside a portion of the recent tax increase for future construction. All of the above will save money. Other areas for savings are certainly possible. The town of Nags Head saved money for their new office complex (to be built soon), which will not require a bond issue or tax increase for the citizens of Nags Head. Why can't Dare County do this?
If the above plan sounds reasonable, let's ask our commissioners and school board members (working together) to check it out, implement it or come up with a better plan.
Ken and Mary Ann Johnson
Colington Harbour Parents express thanks
We want to thank Paul South for the articles he wrote about our son Orrin, who has cancer. As a result of those articles we have received a lot of support and kindness from many people. The goodness of so many people continues to astonish us. The continuing expression of concern and love has given us a spiritual pillow. The monetary help that came with some of those expressions of concern has helped considerably during a time of necessary expense.
Since everyone showed so much concern, I feel I should update you on Orrin's condition. Before his last admission this past week, he had an MRI and a hearing test. The MRI is very encouraging. There has been a lot of shrinkage of the tumor, and instead of being a solid mass it is now more cystic in mass. The hearing test showed some loss of hearing in his right ear. This may improve, or it may get worse. At any rate, he has just completed his third round of chemotherapy. He is sick and he is weak but he is getting steadily better, thanks to some wonderful doctors and nurses.
Brenda and George Gray
Avon by CNB