This November millions will flock to their local polling stations to cast a vote in what is likely to be a historic election.
Whether you cast your vote for Barack Obama or John McCain, there is an issue on this November’s ballot that has potential to affect every student on campus in one way or another. During this general election cycle USD 348, the Baldwin City school district, is holding a referendum on a $22.9 million bond issue.
This bond has many components, all of which are greatly needed by this district. The most urgent component of the bond is a new primary center. The current primary center is more than 50 years old and has many issues that cannot effectively be addressed by any means other than construction of a new building.
The second major component of this bond is a new performing arts center at the high school. Having worked in the current auditorium at the junior high school, I cannot fully express how critical it is that USD 348 builds a new performing arts center. A new 600-seat, state-of-the-art facility would be an asset for the entire community.<br/>The third and fourth sections of the bond relate to athletics. The third section will allow for the construction of two new baseball and softball fields for the district. This is included because the district's current baseball field does not meet high school regulation lengths and is barely adequate for little league.The third and fourth sections of the bond relate to athletics. The third section will allow for the construction of two new baseball and softball fields for the district. This is included because the district's current baseball field does not meet high school regulation lengths and is barely adequate for little league.
The third and fourth sections of the bond relate to athletics. The third section will allow for the construction of two new baseball and softball fields for the district. This is included because the district’s current baseball field does not meet high school regulation lengths and is barely adequate for little league.
The fourth component is a new practice track for the junior high and high school track teams.
Although the bond issue is not being passed with the benefit of Baker in mind, there will be many benefits to the Baker community. I’ll outline just a few issues that would be a great benefit for Baker students.
1. Anybody notice how campus seems a little cramped this year? Parking seem a little scant? If this bond issue passes, the site of the current primary center will be sold on the open market. This will give Baker the opportunity to acquire more land and expand. There is no guarantee that Baker will purchase the land, but it’s a good bet.
2. Are there any track runners, football players, or soccer players out there? Any of you people like sharing Liston Stadium with 100 or more junior high and high school athletes all spring long during practices? I didn’t think so. This bond will move them off the track for practices.
3. Any theater folks reading this article? Wouldn’t it be great if the high school had its own performing arts center? Any of you ever stick around over the summer for the community musical? The community musical would also benefit from a state-of-the-art facility to use.
These are certainly not all of the benefits Baker could see from this bond issue; these are just the big ones. It’s really not the benefits to Baker that should make you want to vote in favor of this referendum, though.
First-grade students are going to school in a building with a noted brown recluse problem (if you aren’t from the Midwest, this is a particularly nasty spider). Plus, seventh-grade students’ textbooks have been ruined when the junior high roof leaked into their lockers. Even choir members have had their hard work rendered pointless when they’ve hosted a concert in the high school gym. Not to mention the baseball player doesn’t have the opportunity to host a Kansas State High School Activities Association sanctioned event because his field isn’t deep enough.
Think of these kids when you go to the polls. Vote “Yes.”