Carolyn Cloud Stanley

To the editor:A few months ago when I first started hearing about the Conway school bond issue, my immediate reaction was that it was a ridiculous idea. After all, I had driven by the school building several times and it looked like a perfectly good building to me. Why would any one feel the need to replace it; maybe a few cans of paint and a bit of elbow-grease, which local citizens might be coerced into volunteering, would be a good idea, but I saw no valid reason to consider spending money for an unnecessary luxury. Notice that I had never even considered stopping to see what the inside looks like.Then, this fall I have had the privilege of being a substitute teacher for a few days in the Kennett building and I have quickly done a 100 percent about face about my objection to the upcoming bond issue and now Im asking that everyone who has doubts about supporting the school in everything theyre requesting, please find an opportunity to take a short tour of the complex.First, you will notice that the building may have been considered to be state-of-the-art of modern school construction when it was built, but it certainly isnt now. Im sure that few of you would like spending several hours each weekday in a building with mostly cinder block walls (with no interior wallboard or any other wall covering to relieve the dismal look) and overhead exposure of most of the ductwork for the heating/cooling, water and electrical systems.Additionally, I came to this area from a large metropolitan area where most of my exposure to what was happening to the schools was what I read in the newspaper with only a few ventures into any of the physical structures. Yes, indeed, the few buildings I entered were quite modern, with the best of the modern teaching tools, such as wonderful audio/visual aids and sufficient state-of-the-art computer equipment for all the students. At least, the buildings started out that way. According to what I read in the papers, I didnt expect them to last long in that condition the reported incidents of petty mischief and outright vandalism imply that the newness wont last long.The reported personal injury stories there have led to widespread imposition of the drastic school policy that any child caught bringing anything so dangerous as fingernail clippers is subject to suspension or even expulsion.Naturally, I assumed that students here would be like those I knew or read about there. I was quite pleasantly surprised and, yes, astounded to find that I have not yet met even one young person at Kennett who would fit the stereotype of those who would damage the school or worse. In fact, I believe those Ive met would be more likely to want to fix up their school than to harm it.Lastly, all the information Ive seen in the Daily Sun indicates that denial of the bond issue at this time is quite likely to result in much higher future costs, which will probably include steadily increasing maintenance costs for the current building, acquisition of needed additional classroom space (either by construction of low-cost temporary buildings or purchase/lease of more trailers which look very much like outmoded military barracks buildings of WWII), and continued cramped/no parking space for teachers and students and playing/practice fields for the various sports which have long been important in the students lives and in fostering town spirit and pride.I fully agree that the projected $44.3 million cost seems high; but remember, quite a few of us are thinking that a loaf of bread should still cost a dime and a cup of coffee or a bottle of soda should cost a nickel.If you havent already decided to vote for the upcoming school bond issue, why not make arrangements to take a couple of hours to see the school facility for yourself before the Nov. 4 election?