To the editor:

I commend the Journal-World for publishing the article outlining the dismal state of the South Junior High School building. As a member of the 2003 Vote Yes for Lawrence Kids committee who campaigned for the failed bond issue, I understand the importance of replacing the South building. All during the campaign in 2003, we heard comments from the naysayers basically saying to the school board, “You built it, so you live with it.” The school board does not have to live with it; the students, staff and teachers at South have to live with it.

In the coming months, we will again be hearing arguments for and against the 2005 bond issue. When listening to these arguments, I ask that everyone not lose sight of the real reason for the bond issue: Lawrence kids! As stated in the school district mission statement, Lawrence public schools will be “student-centered environments that ensure all students learn academic and life skills to reach their maximum potentials.”

The students of Lawrence public schools will acquire “skills and knowledge necessary to become informed decision makers and effective communicators who will assume responsible roles in society; this will be accomplished by teaching all students challenging curricula in stimulating and flexible environments.”

Please remember that the Lawrence public schools represent the residents of Lawrence. The goals and mission statement of our schools should go one step further and be the goals and mission statement of the Lawrence community.

Sally Schriner,

Lawrence