Guest Opinion: Number of students doesn't justify building

Eureka Springs School District will ask the property owners of the Eureka Springs School District for a millage increase on February 9, 2010.

As I travel around the District I'm amazed at how many people are unaware that they have a voice in the Eureka Springs School District. The Eureka Springs School District encompasses Eureka Springs, Holiday Island, Beaver, Johnson Springs, Winona and Packard Springs. All registered voters within these areas are eligible to vote on School District affairs. There are some 5,600 registered voters within the Eureka Springs School District. If you aren't sure if you are within the Eureka Springs School District, look at your tax bill; it will tell you which School District gets your tax dollars.

The last time the school district asked for a millage increase, September 16, 2003 only 204 people voted. There were 120 for the increase and 84 against the increase. Such a low voter turnout is a sad commentary for all registered voters of this school district.

Voting is one of the most important rights we as American citizens have. If enough people give up that right, you may as well turn off the lights and call it a day because only special interest groups will rule this country. Every vote counts.

Here are some facts:

1. According to the Democrat Gazette, "Eureka school district is among the six wealthiest school districts in the state of Arkansas."

2. It is true that we have the lowest millage in the county. It is equally as true that we have the highest property assessments in Carroll County.

3. Our current millage is 34.15. The school board wants to raise it to 36.13. Berryville's millage is 38.05, and Green Forest's is 36. Both Berryville and Green Forest assessed property values are lower than the Eureka Springs School District.

4. The High School currently has only 221 students. Only about 50 students graduated this year.

5. According to the school district's own projection, the increase of students in ten years will go from 221 to 240.

6. Current projection of cost for a new school is about $10.6 million, and this will in all probability go higher.

7. We just had a 17 percent (overall average, many were higher) increase in our 2009 property assessments, therefore the school district will automatically receive more money.

I for one do not believe the Eureka School District is justified in spending $10.6 million on a new high school for fewer than 250 students. The county is in dire need of more worthwhile projects. If Eureka Springs wants a new high school, let Eureka Springs float a bond.

You may or may not agree with me, that doesn't really matter. What does matter is that you get out and vote on February 9, 2010. Absentee ballots will be available 30 days prior to the election date.