Renovations

I think that this issue is very controversial because both arguments have merit. The proposed renovations will create a better, more competitive school but if the plan is carried through then tax rates will increase. I think that the renovation plans are a great idea to some extent. When people look to move into a neighborhood one of the main aspects of the neighborhood they explore is the school district. Our schools already benefit from high test scores and great teaches, therefore, we should have a physical property that represents our full potential. The renovation plans include updating the infrastructure of the school, the heating and cooling, the technology, and various other fundamental problems that plague our school experience daily. I think that a lot of these changes are necessary. Since the plan is split into three phases (we can do them in various combinations) it makes it easier to choose those renovations that are most needed. However, there are also renovations that are not completely necessary in the daily functioning of the school but would make DHS a better school. Some of these renovations include a field house with a large swimming pool, new group study areas and common technology spaces. Changes such as these will contribute to the overall atmosphere of the school. It will allow our sports to be more competitive and feel good about the spaces in which they practice. Increased room will make scheduling easier and by updating our sports facilities we will be on par with the other schools around us. Currently, DHS and HPHS are stuck with older, unorganized facilities. I think that it would be nice to have an updated school.

The district, however, faces tough questions. In order to fund these renovations a tax increase and the selling of bonds is necessary. However, this does not seem daunting when you consider that current taxes reflect the 2004 renovations. If we undertake these new renovations on a smaller-scale then the tax burden will simply remain the same instead of going down. My position is that our school should represent our academic excellence. We should undertake some of the renovations proposed, but not all, in order to minimize the tax burden on tax payers. I think that excellent schools with updated technology, common spaces, and new sports areas will make DHS more attractive to potential home buyers and increase the way of life at school.