Why Issue 121 Should be Passed

On November 8th Westlake voters are going to be asked to vote on Issue 121, Issue 121 is a bond issue for a New Elementary School to replace Bassett, Dover, Hilliard and Holly Lane elementary schools, the oldest of these buildings date back 67 years. These building are no longer safe, too small, too crowded and in the late summer they are way too hot.

If you have not been inside any of the elementaries, you will be in for a shock, no air conditioning kids are studying and learning in classrooms where temperatures can reach and have reached 95 degrees and higher it is sad to walk through the schools and look at the kids with sweat pouring off them and their faces beet red, school secretaries running around to the classrooms trying to make sure classrooms have fans to try and cool students and teachers off.

Regardless of the vote there will one or two options the first is that the bond issue passes and a Brand new elementary school is built, it would have two sections, a Pre K-2nd grade wing and a 3rd -4th grade wing and the new school would have elements to pay homage to the four elementary schools. If voters reject this issue there will no longer be a neighborhood school, they may choose the better 2 schools and move all the kids over 1200 into these two buildings this is not conducive to learning and will just exacerbate the problem

A major misconception is the wording which by state law has to be included...it will say tax levy but here is the difference...wait for it...It will NOT raise taxes, the average homeowner will pay no more than what they are paying now, the funds can not be used for teacher salaries, administrative salaries, only for the new school building, the demolition of the old buildings and maintenance for all the buildings in the school district.

Our younger children deserve to learn in a school that meets State Standards and no our four aging elementary schools do not meet state standards. This should be a no brainer, Issue 121 builds a new school, doesn't raise taxes and there is money to maintain all the buildings in the district. If you are interested in learning more about Issue 121 you can go to www.westlakelevy.com or come to one of the events or speaking engagements of our Superintendent Scott Goggins and our Treasurer Todd Hopkins they will answer any and all questions and concerns. I need to reiterate that Issue 121 will NOT raise taxes! Don't you think that Westlake's youngest students deserve to learn in an environment that is safe and up to date and meets state standards? If you do then on November 8th Vote Yes on Issue 121!