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Thursday, January 24, 2008

Editorial: Bonds Would Help Struggling District

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    It's difficult to ask for money when your school district is losing students.
    Moriarty-Edgewood School District Superintendent Karen Couch is making the rounds to pitch the district's $18 million bond election. Every school in the district would benefit from the cash, mostly for roofs and building improvements. The big ticket item is $4 million for a performing arts center at Moriarty High School. The district has already received state capital improvement money for the project and hopes to get more.
    Some people might question why the district should spend so much for a dropping student population. The district has seen a decrease in students for the past five years and has flirted with shutting an elementary school. The district currently has about 3,600 students, which is down about 170 from the same time last year. However, in the past month, 21 new students have come into the district.
    Couch makes a compelling argument for the bonds. The district's eight school buildings are aging and need repairs. The performing arts center, she admitted, may be the hardest thing for people to take. However, the district has been planning the center for years and it's something that is desperately needed. High school band, choral and theater students have won state awards during competitions, but must make do with nonexistent or inadequate facilities.
    With a new performing arts space, current students would be well served, and the district might be able to lure some students who have left the district for programs in Albuquerque, Couch said. The space also would be available for community groups to use.
    The election will be held Feb. 12 and voters should vote in favor of the bonds.