Letters to the Editor

Letter to the Editor,

For those that may not have heard, Wesley and I will be retiring from public education at the end of this school year. We have 35 and 36 years, respectively, invested in the field of education and we have made the decision to retire. It has been rumored that this decision had something to do with our feelings toward Oakwood. IF that were true, we would not retire. We have both thoroughly enjoyed our time in Oakwood. The administration, staff, and last, but not least, the students have been a pleasure. To again rest all rumors, we are just retiring like normal people do. (I have already volunteered to help with UIL.)

As all know, Oakwood is trying to pass a bond to build an elementary building. Wesley and I are very much in favor of this bond. Oakwood is not asking for more than what is needed. (I did not use the word “deserved”.) Stop and look at the number of times surrounding districts have proposed bonds for improvements through the last thirty years. Oakwood School is no different from the surrounding schools. All facilities must be improved eventually. Most importantly, kids are no different either. It hurts kids when they are referred to as “those kids”. The administration has held two public meetings to try to inform the public about the proposed building project and was very open and honest when questions were asked. A third meeting will be held Tuesday, April 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the Oakwood Auditorium. I urge voters to attend and get the facts before making a final decision.

Teachers have always stressed the importance of arming yourself with the facts and being able to separate facts from opinions.(So, here I go…) If you are approached with a forty+ year old story about Oakwood, please ask yourself what those hard feelings have to do with the education of a group of innocent children in 2010 or their need for a new building. No one can change what happened in the sixties or the feelings passed down through the generations. But, with the facts, you can make an unbiased decision. I have seen many signs suggesting prayer for our nation. Please pray about this before casting a vote.

Rose Richmond Henson

Letter to the Editor,

Our economy these days is uncertain to say the least. People are unemployed and losing jobs daily. It is difficult to find anything made in the U.S. anymore. The Lord’s Pantry in Buffalo is still helping at least 100 families monthly.

The state recommends the value of property should be increased in Leon County. Our emergency service tax will begin this year.

If the Healthcare bill stands as is, many doctors are not going to accept Medicare patients. Insurance companies are already mailing information in regard to raising premiums. We are facing higher prices in every area.

Can we afford to obligate our children and grandchildren for $4,500,000 for thirty years? Folks, that is a lot of money! Vote NO to Oakwood school bond election on May 8th! Make sure you know where to vote; polls are open from 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Early voting at Oakwood administration office from April 26th through May 4th. Give them a call for the exact times if you need to vote early.

John Dearen

Letter to the Editor

Oakwood ISD Taxpayers, the proposition filed for the Oakwood ISD School Bond will merely state: For or Against the issuance of a $4,500,000 School bond. It does not mention that the Trustees may raise without limit the rate or amount of annual ad valorem tax without another vote.

We do not know if other less costly options were explored or if there is a longterm plan to determine the growth or decline of students in the future.

Everyone wants the best for their children, but it will not be fair to “Our Kids” to lock them into a $4.5 milllion debt for up to 30 years when this is not the best option available!

Vote against the Oakwood School Bond on May 8th! Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Precincts 11 and 12 will vote at the Lone Star Community Center, 1579 FM 831. Early voting is April 26th through May 4th at Oakwood ISD Administration Office, 8:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m.

Remember: Just say NO to More Taxes!

Josh Cheek

Letter to the Editor

I do not think that it is fair to ask taxpayers 25 to 30 miles away to pay high Oakwood School taxes, drive past better schools, and have their children sit on a bus for over an hour to get to Oakwood Schools. This doesn’t make sense. A few months ago Oakwood ISD had the opportunity to re-district and (OISD School Administration) declined to participate. This was an opportunity that would have allowed students in the Oakwood ISD to attend larger schools and have access to a higher quality education (They) chose to keep spending good money after bad and allow Oakwood ISD to continue down the wrong path. We must defeat the Bond Election for $4.5 Million and change the directoion that Oakwood is heading. The distance to the schools is one of the reasons why over 100 students chose to go out of district which causes a substantial loss of revenues for Oakwood ISD. VOTE NO on May 8th!

Leslie Maciel

Letter to the Editor,

Don’t be fooled about the “Help the poor little children in Oakwood ISD and build us a $4.5 Million Dollar School.” The solution for all of their problems would be re-district Oakwood ISD or let the surrounding districts absorb them. Oakwood ISD only has 219 students and has the highest cost per student in Leon County. Three or four adjoining districts could take those students and hardly notice the gain. The Oakwood students could then attend larger schools who offer more academically and extra-curricular activities. Currently there are less than 150 students in the Elementary School. There have been no studies to predict future growth. Oakwood ISD enrollment has declined since 2006. Let’s do the right things for the kids and the taxpayers. Vote NO, study the problems and find a real solution for a change.

Norma J. Moore