To the editor:

In 40-plus years of voting, I have never before voted against a school bond proposal. I reluctantly will do so this year. In a stagnant economy with a war looming before us and local property values skyrocketing, the time is simply not right for a commitment of $59 million that would bring USD 497’s total bonded indebtedness to more than $120 million. I suggest we rethink the size and nature of this bond commitment. Perhaps something in the $30 million-$35 million range is more appropriate.

I am also concerned about the plans for the alternative high school. If we are on the verge of building a third high school, we need to carefully plan its instructional focus and other needs. Spending $7 million for 100 students does not make sense. But crafting a proposal that would include new, well-planned vocational/technical programs, developed in partnership with local businesses and industry, would add a much-needed dimension to our community’s educational infrastructure. In the proposal now before us, there is only a vague mention of possible vo-tech programs to be added in the future.

Judy Juneau and the staff of the Lawrence Alternative High School have done wonderful work in a difficult environment. They and the alternative high school students deserve much better facilities. Lawrence needs a focused discussion about the nature and impact of alternative education in our city. This discussion has not yet taken place.

Barbara L. Watkins,

Lawrence