Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Yes 2 PCHS: A Vote for The Future

by Rachel Kenderdine

What could the vote on April 5th mean to the Paris community? It could mean new school board members, city officials, and the decision that seems to be dominating the news lately: the Say Yes 2 PCHS referendum.

According to the Yes 2 PCHS website, early voting for the issue started on March 14 and ends March 31. The actual election will take place on April 5, and the final decision on the referendum will be made that day.

A “yes” vote would mean the creation of a new high school constructed on a lot outside of town. Without the new school, our current high school will need extensive updating to be up to the fire safety code.

If approved, the vote would also be a good choice for the budget. The Yes 2 PCHS website says that if the referendum passes, the state of Illinois will pay for 65% of the school, leaving less than half of the proposed cost for the community to shoulder. This oppurtunity would not come around for another four years, but at that point there may not be enough state funding to give school construction.

The school would be modern and up to today’s standards for future generations to use and may be ready for students as early as 2014.

“This is probably the only chance our community will have for this opportunity in my lifetime,” said Mrs. Wells, English teacher. “I will be voting ‘yes’ for my children and my students.”

Hopefully, the entire community will feel the same, and vote “yes” for the future of Paris.

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