School, county officials wise to reach compromise

The Standard was recently critical of school board members and county commissioners for their bickering surrounding the new Centertown School.

Now that the controversy appears to be settled, the Standard is glad to see cooler heads prevailed. There was no reason to pick a fight when both sides wanted the same goal – to see a new school built in Centertown.

County commissioners were uneasy because they voted to approve $6.5 million in funding for the project. That’s no small chunk of change, so they were rightfully concerned about how the money would be spent.

On the other side, school board members were reluctant to sign building contracts without the money in their accounts for fear there might be legal repercussions.

The ultimate solution was a sensible compromise that allows the county to hold the school funds while the school board can rest easy with the assurance the bills will be paid. County Executive Kenneth Rogers has agreed to co-sign the building contracts which should clear up any legal language which might have been problematic.

The important thing is work can continue toward constructing a new Centertown school, something county and school board officials both agreed is a pressing need.

School board members who worried the Centertown School project might experience lengthy delays can feel a sense of relief the project is now clear to continue.

County commissioners concerned about how $6.5 million would be spent can likewise feel better knowing the money will remain in their hands and under their watchful eyes.

It’s a win-win situation and hopefully one that will result in a new school opening its doors as soon as possible in Centertown. That’s the ultimate goal.