Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

I am in favor of passing the Montezuma School bond issue that will be put to vote April 5. I believe that the education of our youth is the very foundation of our success and the heartbeat of our community. To achieve greater success, the community must come together to provide a modern facility and an acceptable learning environment. 

When a family gains employment or moves into the community for any reason, what is the first item of consideration? The school, both the physical plant and the curriculum will become major when deciding where to purchase/rent a home.  You can work in Montezuma, but that does not mandate that your family must locate here. 

 Grinnell, BGM and HLV school districts have Debt Service areas in their budget and those districts are to be commended for making necessary updates and repairs to their buildings and facilities. Montezuma Community Schools has fallen behind in both repair and new structure. 

Montezuma currently has no Debt Service area in their budget. We have an opportunity with the bond issue to correct this situation and move the community forward. 

Recently I was asked the following two questions by a Montezuma student: What would happen to Montezuma schools if we could not get renovations done?  How would this affect the community? Here is my answer…

It is my opinion that if the bond issue fails and if the subject of redistricting rises in this political environment, Montezuma Community Schools in its current condition of disrepair would be placed immediately on the radar. Worst case scenario, if we do not invest in our own future two things would most assuredly happen: 

1. The community will be sending its youth to Grinnell or Brooklyn for education.

2. As a result of redistricting property owners would pay Debt Service. Both BGM (1.78388) and Grinnell (1.52143) have a Debt Service levy incorporated and voted by their citizens. Both also have a Voted Physical Plant levy that adds to the total.

Bottom line – as the school is – so is the community. Positive action now may be the determining factor for years to come.

There are citizens with far more wisdom than me, but it doesn’t take rocket science to know the community would be greatly enhanced in the eyes of potential residents given a bit of community pride in our schools. 

There are hundreds of reasons for the voters of our school district to pass the bond issue. Every single one of those reasons either walk, ride bikes – buses or cars to and from their homes each day that school is in session. If you believe in those reasons then you must make every effort to support this issue.

Thank you for the opportunity to make my points. I strongly urge everyone to join with me in saying YES to our school and to our future on April 5. 

Best regards and good luck to all of our students.

Lana Taylor – 1968 MHS Graduate

607 S 4^th St.

Montezuma IA 50171