Education Committee is on the right track
The Standard has, on occasion, come down hard on Warren County commissioners for some, let’s just say questionable, decisions.
That’s why it’s gratifying when the newspaper doesn’t have to stand in front of the class and take names. And standing in front of the class is a fitting analogy in this case because the Standard wants to praise commissioners on the Education Committee who took the initiative to fund a $1.2 million capital outlay note.
The note, if ultimately approved by the full county commission, will allow three much-needed projects to become a reality. And it can all be accomplished without a tax increase, which are the magic words we all love to hear. Those projects are massive renovation work to Nunley Stadium and Warren County Middle School’s auditorium, and construction of a multi-sport fieldhouse at the high school.
The need for renovation work at Nunley Stadium and WCMS’s auditorium have been well documented and are long overdue. But even though a need exists, finding the money for such “wish list” projects is seldom easy.
There are many departments across this state and across this county which would benefit from a few repairs here, and a little extra money there. It’s financial limitations which ultimately prevent things such as more classroom space, or even more jail space, from leaving the drawing board. Or financial restraints certainly delay the process.
That’s why we’re glad to see a group of commissioners determined to not pass the proverbial buck. It’s easy to find excuses or find ways to justify not spending money: Times are tough; the economy is bad; we can’t afford it right now.
The difficult thing is to take a stand and say now is the right time — and we’re going to make it the right time — for these projects. It should also be emphasized that while the improvement work is much-needed, so is a multi-sport fieldhouse.
Like its name suggests, the fieldhouse won’t just benefit the football team, which is a smart idea right off the bat (although the baseball team with its own fairly new fieldhouse won’t use the facility). However, most other high school teams will use it which is important because there are many hard-working athletes in this county besides just football players.
Finding Warren County students interested in playing sports has proven to be a constant challenge. A spot on the team often takes second fiddle to a part-time job and a car payment.
That’s why this county needs every incentive possible to attract teen-agers to the wonders of organized athletics. If a new fieldhouse does the trick, then it’s money well spent.
For too long these worthwhile school projects have been left to gather dust. And we have a run-down football stadium and a shoddy auditorium to show for it.
The Standard only hopes the full Warren County Commission will support the Education Committee and approve the $1.2 million capital outlay note.