Letter to the Editor: Vote 'Yes' on Birmingham School Bond

(Editor‘s Note: The views in this letter are those of the author, Gregory Burry.)

As a former council member of Beverly Hills and a board member of Next (formerly the Birmingham Area Seniors Coordinating Council), I’m voting yes on May 5th for the Birmingham Public School Bond, and I’m encouraging you to vote yes. I’m not only voting yes for the bond because it’s a zero tax rate increase and it protects my property value. More importantly, I’m voting yes to keep our schools updated so our youth can compete in the 21st century.

Today it is vitally important that the youth attend schools that are safe and secure, provide the best instructional programs and the latest technology and housed in buildings that kept in good condition. Giving our children the best educational environment is the finest gift we can give them in a competitive world. This is how we keep our community thriving.

Tell Us:

• What would you like for your neighbors in the Birmingham school district to think about when they vote on the $66 million bond proposal Tuesday, May 5?

This bond will also benefit our senior and child community. Next and the Early Child Development Center is housed in a BPS facility that needs upgrades to the windows, electrical, heating and cooling systems and technology that will improve the facility and add to the comfort of our seniors and children.

Without these improvements, the schools will deteriorate and the youth and the community will lose. Like our municipalities, funds are needed assure the infrastructure and facilities are constantly repaired and upgraded. This is no different for our schools. Please consider saying yes to this bond that will benefit our community and serve the common good.

— Gregory Burry, Beverly Hills