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a permanent change in attitudes and work habits; they will be more difficult than persauding reluctant taxpayers to give more. But in the end, they will benefit everyone, especially our students.
b. And if we do face a larger student body? Any increases will be incremental; so, add space incrementally, a far cheaper solution. Mobile (van) classrooms, or permanent rooms added to existing buildings as needed, will cost less and avoid increased overhead and operating expense.
Members of the county’s recent reassessment board are very aware of the groundswell of citizen opposition to steadily rising taxes. At all levels, federal, state and local, taxes are higher than ever. Our county’s budget rose from $2.7 million to $7.3 million between 198081 and 1990-91, an 80 percent increase after correcting for inflation. Our school spending per student doubled in the same period, with more teachers and fewer students.
School officials should take another look, concentrating on their objective, the basic reason for our schools, a first class education for every student. That accomplished, find ways to meet other problems at reasonable cost; an expensive new brick and mortar building is not the only answer. Go back to the drawing board!
(Editor's note: John L. Marocchi is a resident of Sperryville. Opinions expressed are his own.)
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