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I am writing in support of the upcoming education SPLOST vote on Tuesday. My employer is a Partner in Education with Fair Street Elementary School in Gainesville, and in the course of visiting the school, I am well aware of the dated and substandard physical facilities present.
The conditions are nearing the point of interfering with the tremendous positive energy exhibited by the dedicated teachers and staff in motivating these students to take joy and pride in their education.
As many Times readers understand from personal experience, the costs of maintaining a 75-year-old building or historic home seem never-ending. The original concrete slab of the school is sinking below ground level, which causes dangerous electrical problems after major rains and led to school evacuations twice in 2008-09.
The building also needs a new roof, flooring, plumbing and wiring to support a modern learning environment. While the most recent estimate for repairs and modifications is between $10 million and $12 million, this amount would not fully correct the issue, nor will it relieve the overcrowding that currently exists.
As a result of the high cost of repair, Gainesville City Schools' recommendation is to replace the building. The highest estimated cost of demolition, construction and infrastructure replacement is $19 million, which will also allow for additional classrooms to accommodate the current number of students.
If we want the children in the Fair Street attendance zone to contribute to our economic future, we need to provide a learning environment that is state-of-the-art, as well as safe. I personally support this specific project as well as the use of the one-penny sales tax to fund needed capital improvements and debt reduction for Gainesville and Hall County schools.
C.J. (Jody) Lail Jr.
Gainesville